Pakistan, July 29 -- Australia has confirmed the local transmission of the highly contagious H5 bird flu virus among wild birds, marking a significant development after the country remained free of the strain for years.

Read More: Australia confirms first H5 bird flu case in native seabird

Chief Government Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said the virus is now spreading among wild bird populations following the first confirmed case in a migratory seabird in June. Health and wildlife officials had previously warned that local transmission was likely once the virus entered Australia through migratory birds.

Testing has confirmed that the virus is circulating among greater crested terns along the coast of South Australia. Officials said th...