Signs of H5 avian influenza have been observed on Heard Island in sub-Antarctica for the first time. Photo: HANDOUT/PETE HARMSEN

Greater surveillance and more boots on the ground are needed to prepare the nation for the threat of a deadly bird flu strain, an environmental group and researcher warn.

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Signs of H5 avian influenza have been observed for the first time on Australia's Heard Island in the sub-Antarctic.

Australia is the only continent free from the strain, which has killed millions of birds globally as well as marine life including seals.

Scientists have observed unusual

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