In June 2026, Australia confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild birds. There are a total of thirteen confirmed cases of H5 bird flu, seven in Western Australia, five in South Australia, and one in New South Wales.
One of the latest detections from South Australia is in an individual seabird (greater crested tern). This is the first confirmed detection of H5 bird flu in an Australian wild non-migratory seabird. All other detections has been in individual migratory seabirds whose species are known to occasionally visit coastal areas of southern Australia.
While the detection in an Australian wild non-migratory seabird is concerning, it is not unexpected. Greater crested terns have an overlapping coastal range with the migratory seabird species (greater petrels and brown skua) that have previously tested positive.
There is no evidence of mass mortalities in wildlife or any infection in poultry at this time.
The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD), South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) are leading on-ground activities and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is supporting national coordination.
AVOID. RECORD. REPORT.
Any unusual illness or death in wild birds should be reported via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For more information on these H5 bird flu events, see:
See Australian reports to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for more information: Event 7649
WHA information can be found on the WHA H5 Bird Flu resource centre, which provides information sheets, videos and toolkits for preparing, understanding and responding to H5 bird flu.