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

[Pathfinder]

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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

 

[Pathfinder]

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

 

[Pathfinder]

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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

 

[Pathfinder]

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H5 bird flu events in wildlife​

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Event data​

As of 4pm AEST, 10 September 2026, Australia has 515 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

• 10 in Western Australia (WA)
• 285 in South Australia (SA)
• 25 in New South Wales (NSW)
• 2 in Queensland (QLD)
• 159 in Victoria (VIC)
• 34 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

 

[Pathfinder]

Ministerial media release

Five additional H5 bird flu events in NSW​

Published: 11 September 2026
Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Environment and Heritage
Listen

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The Minns Government is responding to five new H5 bird flu events following positive tests from birds located at Dee Why, Goulburn, Hawks Nest and the south coast areas of Congo and Moruya.

These new events bring NSW to a total of 30 H5 bird flu events and 509 events for Australia.

The five new events are:

• Greater Crested Tern at Dee Why
• Greater Crested Tern in Goulburn
• Greater Crested Tern in Hawks Nest
• White fronted tern in Congo
• Silver gull in Moruya

The event at Dee Why is the second event in the Sydney metropolitan area following the detection at Warriewood on the Northern Beaches earlier this month.

The NSW Government is working closely with the poultry industry based in Goulburn and across NSW to reduce the risk of the virus.

Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, or captive birds, and the risk to human health remains low.

The NSW Chief Veterinary Officer continues to advise that, where possible poultry are housed.

Any additional actions regarding housing of poultry will be determined by the Chief Veterinary Officer following a risk assessment.

There are no signs of any mass mortality in NSW and surveillance is continuing so we can detect any further cases early.

A national surveillance plan is in operation to monitor for any further detections and facilitate rapid, coordinated response.

If you see sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu - Avoid contact, Record what you see, Report it via the online reporting form or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline -1800 675 888.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“H5 bird flu is a serious and ongoing threat to wildlife, and there is no way to eradicate the disease once it is established in wild bird populations.

“The NSW Government has commenced a rollout of targeted vaccinations for vulnerable species of birds to help protect them against H5 avian influenza.

“We are focused on strong surveillance, preparedness and practical measures that reduce the spread of H5 bird flu and help protect our most vulnerable native wildlife.

"If you see a sick or dead bird, please ensure you and your pets avoid contact. Record what you see on your phone and report it via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.”

Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

"These further detections demonstrate how important it is for us all to work together, to remain vigilant with our ongoing surveillance and reporting, so we can monitor and respond.

“There have been no detections in commercial poultry or captive birds anywhere in Australia, and the risk to human health remains low.

“We're working closely with the poultry industry to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

“NSW has recommended poultry owners voluntarily house birds and the NSW poultry industry continue to operate normally.

“Now is the time for everyone who has backyard chickens or pet birds in aviaries to take precautionary steps to ensure there are no interactions between their chooks and pets with wild birds.”
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Five additional H5 bird flu events in NSW

The Minns Government is responding to five new H5 bird flu events following positive tests from birds located at Dee Why, Goulburn, Hawks Nest and the south coast areas of Congo and Moruya.

www.nsw.gov.au

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Friday, 11 September 2026

There is 1 new confirmed H5 bird flu event in South Australia since yesterday’s update.

The new event involves a greater crested tern.

Samples taken yesterday from the whale found at Hayborough tested negative for bird flu.

There have now been 286 confirmed H5 bird flu events in South Australia.

In line with national protocols, the South Australian Government reports H5 bird flu detections as events, rather than individual animal detections. An event may involve one or more animals.

An interactive map is available on the South Australian Government’s bird flu website, featuring up-to-date information on event locations and impacted species: birdflu.sa.gov.au/current-situation/

There are currently no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock. The risk to human health from the virus remains low.
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https://www.birdflu.sa.gov.au/news/h5-bird-flu-testing-update-11-september

 

[Pathfinder]

Zoos SA to roll out bird flu vaccination program​

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11 September 2026

Little Penguins and Australian Pelicans to be among first species vaccinated, as authorities ramp up efforts to protect vulnerable wildlife.

The Australian Government has approved the H5 bird flu vaccination program for Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park under a national framework aimed at protecting priority native bird species in captive and managed environments.

The first vaccinations will target Little Penguins and Australian Pelicans, which have been identified as facing a heightened risk of exposure because they are housed in open enclosures.

The news follows a similar vaccination effort at Cleland Wildlife Park earlier this week, where around 150 birds from more than 30 species received their first dose as part of the state's response to H5 bird flu.

The program aims to protect vulnerable species involved in conservation breeding efforts, including critically endangered Orange-bellied parrots and Regent honeyeaters.

Zoos SA Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley said the vaccine would complement extensive measures already introduced to minimise the risk of exposure.

"There is no single measure that can remove the risk of H5 bird flu, which is why our approach is about putting multiple layers of protection around the birds in our care," Dr Ainsley said.

"Our first priority is still preventing exposure wherever we can, but vaccination has the potential to give us another layer of protection for selected birds considered at greater risk."

In preparation for H5 bird flu, Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park have bird-proofed habitats, protected food and water sources from wild birds, installed specialised feeding systems and additional roofing, and strengthened hygiene protocols.

Birds in the vaccination program receive two doses given three to four weeks apart, with ongoing health monitoring throughout the process.

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Frances Walters said vaccination would add to existing safeguards already in place at both zoos.

"Vaccination is just one part of a broader strategy," Dr Walters said.

"Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park have implemented extensive biosecurity measures to reduce the likelihood of exposure, and these layers of protection work together to help safeguard vulnerable animals."

Dr Walters said community reporting remained critical to tracking the disease's spread.

"When people report sick or dead birds and wildlife, they help us detect new cases earlier and support faster decision-making to minimise the impacts on wildlife where possible and protect livestock," she said.

South Australia continues to lead the nation in public reporting of suspected bird flu cases, with more than 10,000 reports made to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline since Australia's first H5 detection. Nearly 86 per cent of the state's confirmed H5 events were first reported by members of the public.

There have been no detections of H5 bird flu in poultry or other livestock, and the risk to human health remains low.

To report a potentially infected bird, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888). For information, advice and resources about H5 bird flu, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au

https://www.weare.sa.gov.au/news/adelaide-zoo-moves-to-safeguard-birds-from-outbreak?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Post

 

[Michael Coston]

Australia Reports 1st Sea Lion Death From H5N1​

YouTube Video ABC News
#19,333

While the last posted update on South Australia's bird flu status appears to be 3 days ago, on Sept 10th, SA's environment minister Emily Bourke announced the death of an endangered Australian sea lion due to H5N1 in the press conference above.

The sea lion recovered from Seal Bay on Kangaroo island - which was being cared for after a shark attack - reportedly died from the virus.

Location Kangaroo Island - Credit Wikipedia



Kangaroo Island is home to a number of marine mammals which are known to be susceptible to avian flu (see Preprint: Mass mortality of southern elephant seals during multi-species outbreak of HPAI H5N1 on sub-Antarctic Heard Island), including:

• Australian sea lion.
• Australian fur seal.
• New Zealand fur seal.
• Bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin.

While Australia's reporting on avian flu has changed; counting events rather than individual H5-positive tests, the numbers continue to rise steadily.




So far, the virus has not been reported in poultry or other livestock, but the risks to australia's fauna remains high, and only a fraction of the nearly 42,000 hotline reports have been investigated.


https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/09/australia-reports-1st-sea-lion-death.html

 

[Pathfinder]

Related to Michael Coston’s post above (#127):

H5 bird flu testing update – 13 September​

Sunday, 13 September 2026

There are 3 new confirmed H5 bird flu events in South Australia since yesterday’s update.

The new events involve an Australian sea lion, a greater crested tern, and a little penguin.

There have now been 290 confirmed H5 bird flu events in South Australia.

In line with national protocols, the South Australian Government reports H5 bird flu detections as events, rather than individual animal detections. An event may involve one or more animals.

An interactive map is available on the South Australian Government’s bird flu website, featuring up-to-date information on event locations and impacted species: birdflu.sa.gov.au/current-situation

There are currently no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock. The risk to human health from the virus remains low.

Engagement with primary industries, the wildlife sector, and the broader South Australian community continues as part of the South Australian Government’s commitment to deliver the most comprehensive and effective wildlife and industry surveillance, reporting and preparedness efforts possible.

South Australians are encouraged to continue being vigilant in reporting sick and dead birds and other wildlife.

The public are reminded to contact their vet if they have concerns regarding their pets and H5 bird flu.

Avoid touching sick or dead birds and other wildlife. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For the latest updates, information and advice about H5 bird flu in South Australia, including details on the next community forum at Willunga on Tuesday, 6 October, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.

https://www.birdflu.sa.gov.au/news/h5-bird-flu-testing-update-13-september