Arnott's Bird Taken In For H5N1 Avian Flu Testing

WENDELL HUSSEY | Cadet | CONTACT

An icon of Australian pantries and lunch boxes has caused a scare today, after being whisked off by some people in Hazmat suits.

The famous Arnott's bird has apparently been taken into a medical facility to be tested for the H5N1 strain of avian flu.

This comes as birds around the country make headlines for testing positive or negative for the flu, with the nation on high alert.

It's hoped the Arnott's Bird, a Mexican Macaw that is nearly 150 years old has just got a bit of a sniffly nose and a cough, and isn't infected with the deadly strain.

The bird has been keeping an eye on things this week in the Shapes and Assorted Creams factories, and has come into contact with countless workers.

Authorities are monitoring the situation, with hopes the tests come back negative.

The Rosella bird is apparently also being closely monitored.

More to come.