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AAP
AAP
Environment
Ethan James and Andrew Stafford

Minister downplays risk of bird flu after seal deaths

Bird Flu Australia Carol Booth Heard Island Michelle Wille World Heritage
Signs of H5 avian influenza have been observed on Heard Island in sub-Antarctica for the first time. (HANDOUT/PETE HARMSEN)

The federal government has downplayed any imminent risk of bird flu reaching Australia despite an unusual number of deaths in elephant seal pups on the sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island. 

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins says samples taken from the seals need to be tested under laboratory conditions to confirm whether the deadly H5 strain was responsible.

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