News & Media Releases

Nov, 25 2025 | High pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 Bird Flu)

Alert - H5N1 (H5 bird flu) global outbreak

H5 bird flu is also known as high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1. It includes the serious and highly contagious H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain which has caused ongoing outbreaks of disease 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. 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. 

Historical Media Releases

For media releases prior to November 2021, please email the Marketing & Communications team at admin@wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au. 

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