Abstract
The panzootic caused by high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has been devastating for animals, globally. Despite global spread, the virus remains absent in Oceania. Herein we report the results of our fourth year of enhanced migratory bird surveillance, coinciding with the spring migration of wild birds in 2025; none of the 847 migratory wild birds or 38 marine mammals were positive for HPAI H5N1, although we did detect LPAI. Surveillance remains a critical tool for HPAI H5N1 response, with early detection and rapid response being critical to mitigate the impacts of this virus on animal, environment and human health.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Funder Information Declared
Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Wildlife Health Australia
Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Western Australian Marine Science Institution
Department for Environment and Water, https://ror.org/053gv9453
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water of Australia
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Source:
Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.05.07.722556v1
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