Pakistan, July 10 -- Australia has confirmed the first detection of the highly contagious H5 bird flu virus in a native seabird, marking a significant development in the country's efforts to monitor and contain the disease.

Read More: Australia detects suspected bird flu case

Laboratory testing identified the virus in a greater crested tern found in the coastal town of Robe in South Australia. The announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, who described the finding as concerning but not unexpected given recent detections among migratory seabirds.

Since June, Australia has confirmed 12 cases of H5 bird flu, all involving migratory seabirds. The latest case is the first recorded infection in a native Australian seabird,...