Latest emergency response news
Updated: 3 August 2026
In June 2026, Australia confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild seabirds in Western Australia.
Since then, the virus has been detected in wild seabirds in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.
Genetic testing has shown evidence of local transmission of H5 bird flu among Australian greater crested terns in South Australia.
On 3 August 2026, the Australian Government confirmed the first mass mortality event caused by H5 bird flu after 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns were found by aerial surveillance teams at an offshore location south of Cape Jaffa, South Australia.
In line with overseas experience, further spread in wild birds is not unexpected.
For the latest detection numbers, visit birdflu.gov.au.
National response and surveillance
The National Management Group (NMG) — Australia’s national biosecurity decision-making forum — has enacted the National Management Agreement for H5 bird flu (H5 NMA) to provide an agreed framework for cost-sharing response activities.
This is based on the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) advice that H5 bird flu is not feasible to eradicate in wildlife.
Under the H5 NMA, governments and other partners will work together on response activities including continued surveillance, case investigation, technical assessment, emergency conservation action (where required), and engagement with wildlife, animal health, environment, public health and industry stakeholders.
Further evidence is needed to determine whether H5 bird flu has become established in wildlife across Australia. A national surveillance plan is in place to detect and monitor the situation.
No detections in poultry in Australia
At this stage:
- there have been no detections in poultry
- there is no evidence spread to other animals
- there are currently no trade restrictions on poultry or poultry products for export out of Australia.
Human health risk
H5 bird flu is a low health risk to the public and rarely affects humans. Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.
More information
Further information is available at birdflu.gov.au.
For updates from impacted states, visit:
National coordination is being led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
How to report avian influenza
If you see multiple sick or dead birds, don’t touch them:
- avoid contact
- record what you see, including photographs if safe to do so
- report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
About avian influenza
Avian influenza is a viral disease that mainly affects birds. It comes in two forms:
- Low pathogenicity AI (LPAI) — common in wild birds and usually doesn’t cause noticeable illness.
- High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) — can cause serious disease and death in birds, especially poultry.
Wild birds are the natural host of LPAI and can spread the virus without appearing sick. Some LPAI strains can evolve into HPAI strains when spread among poultry.
Avian influenza in Australia
Australia has had several outbreaks of HPAI in recent years. Most outbreaks were H7 strains of HPAI and likely began when mild local H7 viruses changed into more dangerous strains.
All H7 outbreaks in Australia have been successfully contained and eradicated.
In June 2026, Australia confirmed its first detections of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds (see details above).
H5 avian influenza
H5 is a highly contagious strain of avian influenza that is spreading rapidly across the globe.
Unlike many other bird flu strains, H5 viruses are more infectious and have been detected in a wide range of species, including poultry, wild birds, mammals such as dairy cattle, and occasionally humans.
Overseas, this virus has caused major losses of poultry, as well as mass mortalities among wild birds and mammals, especially marine mammals and mammals that eat birds.
Preparing for H5
Australia is taking strong, proactive measures to prepare for and respond to H5 avian influenza. Continuous surveillance programs monitor poultry farms and wild bird populations to detect the virus early, with particular focus on migratory species that pose the greatest risk.
Industry-led biosecurity programs help reduce the chance of disease entering farms by enforcing strict controls on shed access, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and keeping feed and water sources away from wild birds.
If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them. If there are multiple dead birds or other animals, take photos or a video. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Common signs of HPAI
The clinical signs of HPAI vary depending on the virus strain, bird species, age, and environmental factors. Some birds may show no signs at all.
Poultry
- sudden death, often without warning
- increased flock mortality
- lethargy, reduced feed and water intake
- respiratory issues (watery eyes, nasal discharge, coughing)
- neurological signs (tremors, paralysis)
- swollen head, blue combs and wattles (cyanosis)
- drop in egg production or misshapen/soft-shelled eggs
Ducks
- may show mild or no symptoms
- similar symptoms to poultry
- neurological signs (tremors, incoordination, circling or paralysis)
Cattle (US cases)
- decreased milk production
- fever, dehydration, reduced appetite
- lethargy and respiratory signs
Note: clinical signs alone are not enough to confirm HPAI. Laboratory testing is required for diagnosis.
For more details, visit birdflu.gov.au.
Resources for producers
Preparing for avian influenza
Responding to avian influenza
AUSVETPLAN resources
AUSVETPLAN is a series of manuals, guides and procedures that contain the nationally agreed approach for responding to EAD incidents in Australia. Below are the documents relevant to an avian influenza outbreak.