Pakistan, June 25 -- Australian authorities have intensified surveillance and testing efforts after confirming the first mainland cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus. The discovery in migratory seabirds has raised concerns about the potential spread of the disease across the country. Officials are now closely monitoring wildlife populations and high-risk coastal areas to contain any further outbreaks.

The confirmed cases were detected in Western Australia, while additional investigations are underway in South Australia. Authorities launched testing after two dead sub-Antarctic seabirds and a pelican were found near Fowlers Bay. Officials said laboratory results from the latest samples could take several days to become avai...