Research scientists are seeing unusual levels of elephant seal deaths on Heard Island. Photo: Paul Carter/AAP PHOTOS

Signs of a highly contagious and deadly strain of bird flu have been observed on a remote Australian sub-Antarctic island for the first time.

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Scientists say the presence of H5 avian influenza on Heard Island, about 4000km southwest of Perth, hasn't been confirmed and they won't know for sure until more testing is done.

Australia is the only continent in the world free of the H5 strain of bird flu, which has spread across most parts of the globe, including sections of

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