Latest emergency response news
Updated: 25 September 2026
Australia confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild seabirds in Western Australia in June 2026.
Since then, the virus has been detected in wild birds in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.
South Australia has had mass mortality events in wild birds and confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in a small number of wild mammals, including a red fox, common dolphin and Australian sea lion.
Victoria has also confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in a small number of wild mammals, including a red fox and dolphins.
Genetic testing of samples from mammals to date has found no signs that the virus has adapted to infect mammals more easily.
H5 bird flu is expected to remain an ongoing wildlife disease that will require continued monitoring and management.
For the latest national information, visit birdflu.gov.au.
Victoria extends poultry housing requirements
Victoria has extended temporary poultry housing requirements in higher-risk coastal and southern areas. The requirement applies to poultry flocks of 50 or more birds and will remain in place until at least 16 October 2026.
For details, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu.
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 Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) advice that H5 bird flu is not feasible to eradicate in wildlife.
The CCEAD has endorsed a framework on national poultry biosecurity measures, which took effect from 31 July 2026. Under this framework, state and territory governments are responsible for issuing advice on biosecurity measures using a risk-based approach.
Australia is taking a national approach to the use of vaccinations to protect some of our most vulnerable native birds from H5 bird flu.
A national surveillance plan is in place to detect and monitor the situation and support continued assessment of the spread and impacts of H5 bird flu in wildlife.
No detections in poultry in Australia
There have been no detections in poultry or our agricultural system. There are currently no trade restrictions on poultry or poultry products for export out of Australia.
Human health risk
The current risk of H5 bird flu to people in Australia is low. Human infections of this H5 bird flu strain are rare, and there has been no human case of this strain reported in Australia. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of this strain.
Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.
More information
For national updates, visit 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 or other animals, 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 has been preparing for H5 avian influenza and continues to strengthen preparedness and response activities following detections in wildlife. Continuous surveillance programs monitor poultry farms and wild bird populations, with particular focus on species and locations that may be at greater risk of exposure.
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.
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.