Australian authorities have confirmed a second case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain in Western Australia, raising fresh concerns about the virus’s spread among wild bird populations.

The latest infected bird was discovered near Esperance on the state’s south coast, just days after Australia recorded its first-ever mainland case of the highly pathogenic virus.

Officials say both cases involve migratory seabirds and are being closely monitored by biosecurity experts.

Extensive testing and surveillance operations are now underway to determine whether the virus has spread further into local wildlife.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to immediately report any sightings.

The outbreak has prompted heightened biosecurity measures as Australia works to protect its wildlife and poultry industries from a wider spread of the disease.