A highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which has killed millions of birds and mammals globally, has been detected on the Australian mainland for the first time, prompting warnings from experts about a “catastrophic” threat to native wildlife, including the Tasmanian devil.

The ABC reported that the black swan and Australian sea lions are also among the species at high risk. Until this month, Australia was the only continent to have remained free of this devastating bird flu strain, which has caused mass deaths in wildlife overseas.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed on Saturday that the H5N1 virus was identified in a migratory brown skua found near Esperance in southern Western Australia, according to The Guardian. The government news service reported that testing was conducted by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

The Invasive Species Council has highlighted the severe impact of the virus in South America, where it has killed more than 30,000 sea lions and at least 650,000 native birds since 2022. This overseas experience provides a stark warning of the potential consequences for Australia’s unique fauna.

According to reporting in The Guardian, Threatened Species Commissioner Fiona Fraser said that scavenger species like the Tasmanian devil are considered particularly susceptible. She also noted that the virus could push more common species, such as the black swan, onto the threatened list. Research from the University of Queensland, reported by SBS News, suggests black swans may be especially vulnerable due to their immune systems.

While the immediate detection is currently isolated to Western Australia, authorities are conducting surveillance to determine if the virus has spread further. The federal government has established a task force and invested over $100 million in preparedness for a potential H5N1 incursion, as stated in a joint media release.

Wildlife Health Australia advises the public not to handle sick or dead birds or wildlife. Any sightings of five or more sick or dead wild animals should be immediately reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more details on the national response, the original ABC News story can be found at abc.net.au.