A child has been confirmed as the first case of H5N1 bird flu in Australia.

The child contracted the avian influenza A infection while in India and fell ill in March this year, according to Victorian health officials.

The announcement came hours after bird flu was detected on a farm in Victoria.

“Contact tracing has not identified any further cases of avian influenza connected to this case,” Victoria Health said in a statement.

The child reportedly suffered a severe infection but has since recovered.

Officials explained that the avian influenza virus was identified through additional testing of positive influenza samples, part of Victoria’s enhanced surveillance system designed to detect novel or concerning flu virus strains.

Health officials emphasised that most people are not at risk from the virus unless they have contact with infected birds, animals, or their secretions in affected areas.

“The avian influenza virus was detected through further testing of positive influenza samples that takes place to detect novel or concerning flu virus strains, as part of Victoria’s enhanced surveillance system,” officials said.

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