Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) in a brown skua in Western Australia.
This is the highly pathogenic strain of concern that has been circulating globally, and is the first detection in Australia.
Samples from a second bird, a giant petrel, have also tested positive for H5 avian influenza at the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s laboratory.
These samples will now also undergo confirmatory testing at CSIRO’s ACDP.
These species are migratory seabird species that occasionally visit southern Australia.
Both species were found in an isolated area in a national park near Esperance, and were cared for in isolation.
The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is leading on-ground activities and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is supporting national coordination.
A key priority is to undertake surveillance to determine the extent of the infection in wildlife.
There have been no detections in poultry and there is no evidence of mass mortality at this time.
Australia’s response is designed to manage the risks of H5 bird flu, to protect poultry production, and reduce impacts on wildlife and communities.
More than $113 million has been invested by the Albanese Government to strengthen our nation’s preparedness for H5 bird flu.
A dedicated Australian Government Taskforce was established in 2024 to strengthen preparedness for a possible incursion, jointly led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Australian Centre for Disease Control on behalf of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the National Emergency Management Agency.
A series of national simulation exercises have also been undertaken since 2024 to prepare for this event.
Government, industry and stakeholders have been working together to strengthen planning and governance arrangements for disease response and are ready to activate.
H5 bird flu is a low health risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat provided they are handled and cooked according to standard food-safety practices.
H5 bird flu causes severe illness and high death rates in birds.
In birds, the disease can cause sudden death, a sharp drop in egg production, swelling of the head and neck, breathing difficulties, and sometimes neurological signs such as loss of coordination.
The community is encouraged to report any dead or sick birds or animals showing signs of bird flu.
If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them. Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
