A genuine wildlife emergency’: everything you need to know about the arrival of H5 bird flu in Australia | Environment
The H5N1 avian influenza virus has been confirmed on the Australian mainland for the first time, ending the continent’s status as the only one free of the pathogen. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed that a brown skua found at Cape Le Grand national park in Western Australia died from the virus on June 14. A second bird, a giant petrel discovered in the same area, has also tested positive at a state laboratory, with confirmatory testing currently underway at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
Did You Know? The H5N1 virus has already spread globally since 2021, infecting more than 560 wild bird species and over 100 types of mammals, according to data from Wildlife Health Australia.
How the virus reached the mainland
Researchers believe the two infected birds migrated to the Australian mainland from the subantarctic, according to BirdLife Australia. The virus had previously been detected on the Australian territory of Heard Island in August 2025, where it resulted in the deaths of hundreds of king penguins and more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups. Authorities are now conducting environmental sampling and monitoring in Western Australia to understand the transmission dynamics and the full ecological impact of the outbreak, says Dr. Ariful Islam, a veterinary epidemiologist at Charles Sturt University.
Risks to native wildlife and agriculture
The arrival of H5N1 presents a significant threat to unique Australian species, including the endangered Australian sea lion and the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot. Jack Gough of the Invasive Species Council warns that the virus could lead to massive population declines if it begins circulating among native birds, describing the situation as a “genuine wildlife emergency.” While the current H5 strain differs from the H7 bird flu that impacted poultry farms across several Australian states in 2024 and 2025, experts caution that the potential for economic damage remains. Dr. Michelle Wille of the University of Melbourne noted that the virus has led to the culling of over 200 million chickens in the United States alone.
What is the risk to human health?
Health authorities maintain that the risk to the general public remains low. According to the Australian Centre for Disease Control, human infections are rare and generally occur through direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. While global data from the World Health Organization shows 997 reported human cases of H5 infection between 2003 and early 2026—with 478 fatalities—these cases are primarily linked to occupational exposure. Dr. Matt Mason of the University of the Sunshine Coast emphasizes that there is currently limited evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see a sick animal?
Members of the public are advised to avoid contact with any dead or sick birds or marine mammals. Sightings should be reported to the emergency animal disease hotline at 1800 675 888 or via birdflu.gov.au.
Is there evidence of the virus in poultry?
As of the latest reports from Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, there is no evidence of mass mortality or infection within the Australian poultry industry.
How does this strain differ from previous outbreaks?
This H5N1 virus is a “highly pathogenic” strain that has spread globally across multiple continents since 2021. It is distinct from the H7 avian influenza that caused localized outbreaks in Australian poultry farms during 2024 and 2025.
How do you think the local community will change its interaction with coastal wildlife in response to this news?