First detection of H5 bird flu in Australia

On 20 June 2026, the Australian Government confirmed Australia’s first detection of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) — the strain circulating globally — in a brown skua, a migratory seabird, found sick in southern Western Australia on 14 June.

The detection was confirmed by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, and samples from a sick giant petrel in the same region have returned a suspect positive result, with testing underway. There have been no detections in poultry and no evidence of mortality in other species, so Australia’s HPAI-free status in poultry is unaffected.

The Australian Centre for Disease Control advises the public health risk is low, as H5 bird flu rarely affects humans, and Food Standards Australia and New Zealand confirm there is no food safety risk from chicken meat or eggs when handled and cooked correctly. WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is leading the on-ground response, with DAFF supporting national coordination and surveillance to determine the extent of infection in wildlife.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry advises the public that if they see multiple sick or dead birds or animals, avoid contact, record what you observe, and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (from anywhere in Australia).

Further information and resources: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu#h5_detection