Australia has confirmed its first detection of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu).
This is the serious H5 bird flu strain that has been circulating globally.
There have only been detections in migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.
There are no detections in poultry and no evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals.
The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low. More information can be found at: Australian Centre for Disease Control and Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
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.
What you can do
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.