Vanuatu is monitoring the bird flu situation in Australia and New Zealand following the detection of the H5N1 strain in wild birds, as authorities warn of a potential risk to the country.

Vanuatu has not recorded any cases of H5N1, but the Department of Biosecurity says the movement of migratory wild seabirds means the country must remain alert.

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, which can cause severe illness and death in birds. Some strains can also infect other animals and humans.

Principal Veterinary Officer at the Department of Biosecurity, Michael Baer, said Vanuatu is monitoring developments in neighbouring countries and within the country.

“The Pacific is an area that has not been affected yet, but the virus has now reached New Zealand and Australia, which are in our region. That is why we need to remain alert, and Biosecurity is monitoring the situation both overseas and in Vanuatu.”

Baer said the current cases in Australia and New Zealand have been detected in wild birds and have not affected domestic poultry such as chickens, ducks or turkeys.

He said the current situation has therefore not affected poultry imports into Vanuatu.

Despite remaining free of bird flu, the Department of Biosecurity is urging the public to remain alert and report any unusual deaths of birds.

Authorities say early reporting is important to help protect Vanuatu’s poultry sector and prevent the possible spread of the virus.

In July, Australia confirmed several H5N1 detections in wild migratory birds, with no evidence at the time of the virus spreading to poultry or humans.