Together we can prepare to better protect our people, wildlife and farms from H5 bird flu.
H5 bird flu has been detected in Australia. More information is available in the update below.
What is bird flu and how does it spread.
Staying safe when handling birds.
Simple steps you can take to help protect your backyard poultry and other birds.
On-farm biosecurity measures for poultry producers.
Vets play a critical role in early detection and reporting of bird flu.
Information for wildlife carers and how the community can help protect Australia's unique wildlife.
On 20 June 2026, the Australian Government announced a detection of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in single brown skua (migratory seabird) in Western Australia.
This is the highly pathogenic strain of concern that has been circulating globally and is the first detection in Australia.
The wild bird was found sick in an isolated area in southern Western Australia on 14 June 2026.
As of 20 June 2026, ACDP is also testing samples taken from a sick giant petrel from the same region that returned a suspect positive result at the Western Australian government lab. These species are migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.
There have been no detections in poultry and there is no evidence of mortalities in other species at this time. This detection does not change Australia’s status as free from HPAI in poultry in accordance with international standards.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control advises that H5 bird flu is a low health risk to the public as it rarely affects humans. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand advise that bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly. Further information can be found at: Australian Centre for Disease Control and Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has responded swiftly to the detection and is leading response activities on the ground. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is supporting the response through national coordination. A key priority is to undertake surveillance to determine the extent of infection in wildlife.
Australia is well prepared to respond to H5 bird flu and has well-established national response arrangements in place to respond to animal disease incidents.
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.
Learn about our surveillance programs and how the government has been preparing.
Resources to educate and raise awareness of H5 bird flu.
Whether you keep one chicken or a whole flock, Poultry Post is your go-to newsletter for biosecurity tips, H5 bird flu updates and expert advice to keep your birds safe.
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.
The Cook Labor Government is responding to the confirmed detection overnight of H5 bird flu in a single wild seabird found in the remote Cape Le Grand area, east of Esperance.
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering an additional $11.2 million to further ramp up efforts to prepare our most at-risk native species for a potential outbreak of H5 avian influenza (bird flu).
If you notice multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.