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Australia has confirmed the country’s first detection of the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus in a wild bird.
The virus was identified in a brown skua seabird found dead on a remote beach in Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia, approximately 700 kilometres southeast of Perth. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the H5 strain of avian influenza.
Authorities said the finding represents the first recorded case of the H5 strain in Australia, which until now had remained the only continent free of the globally circulating virus affecting wild bird populations.
A second seabird from the same region is currently undergoing testing after also showing signs of illness, raising concerns that the virus may be present in local wildlife populations. However, officials stated there is no evidence at this stage of transmission to poultry farms or commercial livestock.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said biosecurity teams are already in place and monitoring wildlife closely. She added that Australia has long prepared for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu, including training and response protocols designed to limit any outbreak.
The H5N1 and related avian influenza strains are highly pathogenic viruses that primarily affect birds and have caused widespread mortality events among wild bird populations globally in recent years. While human infections remain rare, they are possible through close and prolonged contact with infected animals.
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