In June 2026, Australia confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild seabirds.
As of 26 July 2026, there are a total of 20 confirmed cases of H5 bird flu:
- 10 in Western Australia
- 7 in South Australia
- 2 in New South Wales
- 1 in Queensland
Currently, all detections have been in individual wild seabirds: three detections in non-migratory seabirds (greater crested terns) with all other detections in in individual migratory seabirds whose species are known to occasionally visit coastal areas of southern Australia.
While the detections in Australian wild non-migratory seabirds are concerning, they are 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.
Occasionally, test samples don’t contain enough viral material for ACDP to fully confirm the specific H5 strain. In these cases, authorities are taking a precautionary approach and treating these detections as ‘presumed positive’ based on the species involved, the circumstances of the detection and available evidence.
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), New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QLD DPI) are leading on-ground activities and the Commonwealth 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.