Bird Flu Spreads to Southern Ocean, Raising Stakes for Australia's Poultry Exports

H5 avian influenza has reached Australia's sub-Antarctic territories through migratory birds, not commercial farms. Detections in seals on Heard Island last year confirmed the virus's arrival in the Southern Ocean. If it reaches mainland poultry, international trade rules would trigger suspensions for Australia's major poultry export sector. The government announced funding in June to prevent that scenario.