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H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in Migratory Seabirds Across Southern Australia; No Spread to Poultry Confirmed

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This marks the first confirmed presence of this globally circulating strain on the Australian mainland.

H5N1 Avian Influenza Detected in Australian Mainland Migratory Birds

A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b), known as H5 bird flu, has been detected in multiple migratory seabirds across southern Australia. This marks the first confirmed presence of this globally circulating strain on the Australian mainland.

Authorities report no evidence of the virus spreading to commercial poultry, becoming established in local wildlife populations, or posing a significant risk to the general public. The detections have prompted enhanced biosecurity measures, surveillance, and trade actions.

Timeline and Geographic Spread of Detections

The virus was first confirmed in an Australian external territory before reaching the mainland.

Heard Island (Sub-Antarctic Territory)

In November 2025, the H5N1 strain was confirmed in southern elephant seals on Heard Island. Subsequent testing in early 2026 confirmed detections in additional species, including Antarctic fur seals and gentoo penguins. Researchers estimated that the virus caused the death of over 13,000 southern elephant seal pups on the island, representing approximately 76% of the local pup cohort.

Western Australia (Mainland)

  • June 14, 2026: A sick brown skua was found by a veterinarian at Cape Le Grand National Park, near Esperance. The bird died shortly after and later tested positive for H5N1.
  • A second bird, a giant petrel, found in the same region, also tested positive.
  • Subsequent confirmed and suspect-positive detections were reported in other giant petrels found along the WA coast, including near Quindalup and Roses Beach near Esperance.

South Australia (Mainland)

  • June 14, 2026: A giant petrel found unwell at Knights Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula was confirmed to have H5 bird flu. This was the state's first confirmed case.

New South Wales (Mainland)

  • A giant petrel found near the coastal town of Hawks Nest tested positive for H5N1, marking the state's first confirmed case and the sixth overall in Australia.

Incident Timeline on the Australian Mainland

  • June 14, 2026: The first sick brown skua is found in Western Australia. A sick giant petrel is also found in South Australia.
  • June 19, 2026: The brown skua's H5N1 infection is confirmed by the CSIRO.
  • June 20, 2026: The federal government announces the suspected positive case in Western Australia. Papua New Guinea (PNG) temporarily suspends imports of Australian poultry products.
  • June 23-24, 2026: Infections are confirmed in giant petrels in both Western Australia and South Australia.
  • Late June - Early July 2026: Additional suspect and confirmed cases are reported in giant petrels in Western Australia. Industry biosecurity measures are escalated. PNG lifts its import suspension.
  • July 2026: A case is confirmed in a giant petrel in New South Wales. State and territory chief veterinary officers issue an advisory for commercial poultry producers to house free-range birds indoors.

Virus Origin and Characteristics

Genetic analysis indicates that the virus detected in Australia is linked to the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain that has been circulating globally. Researchers believe the strain arrived on Heard Island around August 2024 or 2025, likely via infected wildlife from the sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands. The detections on the mainland are believed to have arrived via migratory seabird routes from the Southern Ocean, rather than from northern hemisphere migratory flyways.

Government and Industry Response

Public Health

The official risk to human health is assessed as low.

Authorities advise the public not to touch sick or dead birds and to report sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).

Agriculture and Biosecurity

  • No cases of H5N1 have been detected in commercial poultry or agricultural systems in Australia.
  • Poultry producers, including Ingham's Group, have implemented heightened biosecurity measures, including restricting farm access and seeking permission to house free-range flocks indoors.
  • State and territory chief veterinary officers have advised commercial producers to house free-range birds to reduce contact with wild birds.

Government Coordination

A national response plan is being coordinated by the federal and state governments. The Australian government has allocated over $100 million for bird flu preparedness, response capability, and building resilience in at-risk native species.

International Trade

Papua New Guinea, a major importer of Australian chicken meat, temporarily suspended imports of Australian poultry products following the initial detections. The suspension was later lifted.

Impact on Wildlife

  • Heard Island: The H5N1 strain caused a mass mortality event, with an estimated 76% of southern elephant seal pups dying. The virus has also been detected in Antarctic fur seals and gentoo penguins on the island.
  • Mainland Australia: As of the reporting period, authorities state there is no evidence of the virus spreading from infected migratory seabirds to local wildlife or causing mass mortality events.

A federal government analysis has identified over 150 native bird species and at least 10 mammal species, including the Australian sea lion and Tasmanian devil, as being at "very high risk" if they contract the virus.