Incident Information

Information is available on a number of current wildlife health incidents in Australia, as well as selected long-term health investigations and historic wildlife health incidents. Detailed information is available in the national electronic Wildlife Health Information System (eWHIS).

Use the search bar to find information on wildlife health incidents. 

Some recent incidents of national interest have been supplied as quick links in the side menu.

Jun, 25 2026 | High pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 Bird Flu)

Incident – H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in migratory seabirds, WA/SA - June 2026

Australia has confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild birds. There are a total of three confirmed cases of H5 bird flu (H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza 2.3.4.4.b), two in Western Australia and one in South Australia. This is the first time the globally circulating H5 bird flu strain has been detected in Australia.

All three species are migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.

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 (DPIRD) and the South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) 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.

 

 

Back
Support WHA


Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) leads national action to respond to emerging health issues affecting Australia’s wildlife. Today, you can join us, donate to support our work, or follow us to protect our unique and precious wildlife.

SUPPORT WHA
koala snuggled with its baby in tree
Join the Community!

Wildlife Health Australia aims to link, inform and support people and organisations who work with or have an interest in wildlife health across Australia through technical advice, facilitation, communications and professional support. Subscribe to join our community and receive our monthly newsletter.