What we know about how H5N1 bird flu got here and where it may appear next (opens original article in a new tab)

Australia is enhancing bird flu surveillance along its southern coast due to infected migratory seabirds, including brown skuas and giant petrels, which spread the H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain. The virus was detected in subantarctic islands and may spread through bird movements and interactions with other animals.

• Australia's southern coast surveillance focuses on migratory seabirds infected with H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain.
• Brown skuas and giant petrels spread bird flu through scavenging and interactions with infected carcasses.
• Genomic sequencing is underway to determine the virus's route into Australia from subantarctic islands.