confirmed events
What we are doing
Australia is well prepared to respond to H5 bird flu and has well-established national response arrangements in place.
42
1,180
confirmed negative events
13,294
hotline reports
Confirmed event by state
- 0 in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- 2 in New South Wales (NSW)
- 0 in Northern Territory (NT)
- 1 in Queensland (QLD)
- 22 in South Australia (SA)
- 0 in Tasmania (TAS)
- 7 in Victoria (VIC)
- 10 in Western Australia (WA)
Definitions
Confirmed event: An event where H5 Bird flu has been officially confirmed through laboratory testing. For the first detection in a new animal species or geographic area, additional confirmation is required from the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).
Confirmed negative event: An event where all samples test negative for H5 Bird flu through laboratory testing.
Hotline report: a call reported through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline or other official sources where wildlife displaying signs consistent with H5 bird flu is recorded.
Detection of H5 bird flu
As of 3.00pm AEST, 8 August 2026, Australia has 215 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds.
- 10 in Western Australia (WA)
- 147 in South Australia (SA)
- 4 in New South Wales (NSW)
- 1 in Queensland (QLD)
- 53 in Victoria (VIC).
This is the serious H5 bird flu strain that has been circulating globally.
There have been no detections in poultry or the wider agriculture industry.
The Consultative Committee for Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD) has reviewed its previous advice and endorsed a framework on national poultry biosecurity measures that will commence from 31 July. Under this framework, state and territory governments are responsible for issuing advice on biosecurity measures using a risk-based approach.
State and territory governments are responsible for surveillance and response activities on the ground. They are actively working with industry to provide guidance on implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures, as appropriate. Find out more about bird flu in your state or territory.
National coordination is being led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The risk to human health remains low.
Australia is well prepared to respond quickly.
Report signs of bird flu
If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals showing signs of bird flu, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
What you can do
About bird flu
What is bird flu and how does it spread.
Human health
Staying safe when handling birds.
Wildlife
Information for wildlife carers and how the community can help protect Australia's unique wildlife.
Poultry and other farmers
On-farm biosecurity measures for producers.
Vets
Vets play a critical role in early detection and reporting of bird flu.
Protect your birds
Simple steps you can take to help protect your backyard poultry and other birds.
Keep up to date
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.
News
H5 bird flu update
Saturday, 8 August
Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed a further 2 positive detections in New South Wales, one greater crested tern near Narooma and one greater crested tern near Wentworth.
H5 bird flu update
Saturday, 8 August
Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed a further 28 positive detections in South Australia.
H5 bird flu update
Friday, 7 August
Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed a further 20 positive detections in Victoria, all in greater crested terns from the Portland and Nelson area.