Australian health officials monitor avian flu after seabird detection

In June 2026, Australia recorded its first mainland cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.

The virus, identified in a brown skua and a northern giant petrel near Esperance, Western Australia, marks the arrival of a strain that had previously reached the Australian sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island.

While the virus has caused significant wildlife mortality globally, Australian health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low.

Importantly, there is no threat to food safety, and standard poultry products like meat and eggs remain safe to consume when cooked properly.

To prevent the virus from spreading, the agricultural sector has ramped up biosecurity measures.

While no detections have occurred in commercial poultry or dairy farms, authorities urge the public to report any sightings of sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

This proactive approach aims to safeguard both biodiversity and the nation's vital agricultural industry.