Suspected H5 bird flu in elephant seals at Australian Sub-Antarctic Territory Island. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has reported that signs consistent with H5 avian influenza (bird flu) in elephant seals have been observed by Australian Scientists during a management voyage to sub-Antarctic Heard Island. Samples have been collected and will be submitted to the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for testing. More information is available on the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has caused ongoing outbreaks of disease ("H5 bird flu") in wild birds, from 2021, throughout much of North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, and into Antarctica and its islands. Mortalities have been observed in a wide range of species, seen as individual bird deaths and have included mass mortalities.
Australia remains the only continent free from the highly contagious strain of H5 bird flu. The emergence of the 2.3.4.4b strain overseas means an increased risk to Australia, due to the increase in the likelihood of entry into Australia via wild bird movements and anticipated increased consequences if it were to enter.
For more information visit our H5 bird flu resource centre.
Avian influenza is a nationally notifiable disease which means if you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it. You can do this by calling the national Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Note: All Australian jurisdictions also require that all avian influenza virus detections are reported to the relevant Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO).