Australia has confirmed its first case of the highly contagious H5 bird flu strain, marking the end of its long-standing status as the only continent free from the virus.

The country’s Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins, announced that the infection was discovered in a wild brown skua in a remote part of Western Australia. The result was verified by national scientists after laboratory testing, while another seabird found in the same area also showed signs consistent with the infection.

Officials said the finding confirms that the H5 strain of avian influenza, which has caused widespread damage to poultry and wild bird populations globally, has now reached all continents.

Despite the confirmation, authorities stressed that there is currently no evidence of large-scale bird deaths or infections in commercial poultry farms across the country. Biosecurity monitoring has been intensified, and emergency animal health meetings have already been held to coordinate response efforts.

The virus is believed to have reached the region through migratory birds, a common transmission pathway for the disease. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that Australia had been preparing for such an eventuality given the global spread of the virus.

Environmental officials have also raised concern about the potential impact on native wildlife. Australia is home to many species found nowhere else in the world, making them especially vulnerable to outbreaks.

The country’s Threatened Species Commissioner, Fiona Fraser, said conservation programs are being considered for several at-risk animals, including seabirds and marine mammals such as little penguins, sea lions, and the Tasmanian devil.

Scientists have also linked recent outbreaks of the virus to severe wildlife losses in sub-Antarctic regions, including mass deaths among elephant seal pups on Australia’s external territories such as Heard and McDonald Islands.

Health and agriculture authorities say surveillance will continue across wildlife populations and farms as they work to prevent wider spread.

The first confirmed detection was reported in a remote wilderness area about 630 kilometres from Perth, prompting renewed national monitoring efforts.

The capital, Canberra, is coordinating federal response measures alongside state agencies as concerns grow over possible ecological and agricultural risks linked to the virus.