Australia (mainland) - Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in wild birds and mammals 2026

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As of 4pm AEST, 7 September 2026, Australia has 498 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

• 10 in Western Australia (WA)
• 281 in South Australia (SA)
• 22 in New South Wales (NSW)
• 2 in Queensland (QLD)
• 153 in Victoria (VIC)
• 30 in Tasmania (TAS)

As H5 bird flu is confirmed in more locations and species in Australia it will not be necessary to continue testing all species in known areas of transmission, or to test every animal involved in an investigation. Reporting will be targeted to provide a clear picture of the national H5 bird flu situation in wildlife in Australia and key developments.
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https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data

 

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Bird flu's spread to foxes prompts calls for 'major rethink' on how city dwellers deal with pest

By Selina Green and Elsie Adamo
ABC Rural
Posted about 21h ago
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The detection of H5 in a red fox in metropolitan Adelaide in late August marked the first time the disease was detected in a land mammal in Australia. This was followed by authorities in Victoria confirming the death of a fox at Torquay, south-west of Melbourne, was due to bird flu.
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Australia's estimated 1.7 million foxes are found in densities up to three times higher in urban zones.
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In some suburbs of Melbourne, there can be as many as 16 to 23 foxes a square kilometre.
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Australian chief veterinary officer Beth Cookson said the detection of H5 in foxes was a "concerning development", but not unexpected.

"There is currently no evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission associated with H5 bird flu in Australia," Dr Cookson said.

"This detection in a fox is a good reminder that people and their pets should avoid sick or dead wildlife."

Bird flu's spread to foxes calls for 'major rethink' for city dwellers dealing with the pest

The spread of avian flu to a fox in metropolitan Adelaide has experts calling for city dwellers, not just farmers, to be part of the solution in tackling the pests.

www.abc.net.au

 

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H5 Bird Flu​

Attention!​

H5 bird flu: current situation

9 September 2026

H5 bird flu has been detected in three new locations in Tasmania.

A greater crested tern on Flinders Island has tested positive to H5 bird flu. This is the first detection on the island.

A forest raven has tested positive to H5 bird flu in the Mawbanna in the North West and a peregrine falcon in Pipers River in the North of the State.

H5 bird flu has been detected previously in all three bird species.

The number of H5 bird flu events in the state is now 33.

As Tasmania moves into longer-term response and surveillance actions, NRE Tas will move away from reporting on every individual positive test result, instead future updates will focus on reporting new localities where H5 bird flu has been detected.

There are no mass mortalities and no detection in Tasmanian poultry. Chicken and eggs remain safe to eat.

Pet owners play a role in helping prevent the spread of H5 bird flu by keeping cats indoors or in enclosures, keeping dogs away from sick or dead wildlife, and preventing contact between wild birds and domestic birds or poultry.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife:

• AVOID contact.
• RECORD the location and, if safe, take photos.
• REPORT it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Check current advice on these webpages or view our previous updates.
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H5 Bird Flu | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

H5 Bird flu is a highly contagious, viral disease of birds that can cause death in chickens. The signs of bird flu are very similar to Newcastle disease.

nre.tas.gov.au