Australia is a sink for low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses, with isolated circulation occurring on the continent. We report the incursion of a Eurasian low pathogenicity avian influenza H5 virus into Australia. This report benefits surveillance and diagnostic work because of the risk and current absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1).
Keywords: Australia; H5; avian influenza; highly pathogenic avian influenza; influenza; low pathogenicity avian influenza; respiratory infections; virus.