Australian Status

H5 bird flu has now been detected in mainland Australia, with the Australian Government confirming detections in two wild bird in Western Australia in June 2026.

The situation is developing and advice may change as surveillance continues. WIRES will continue to follow official government biosecurity advice and update this page as new information becomes available.

Previously the disease was detected on Heard Island, a remote Australian territory last year, and in 2026 reports estimate approximately 75% of elephant seal pups on the island, around 13,000 animals, have been killed by the disease.

What WIRES is doing?

WIRES is working closely with government, and specialist groups in the sector such as Biosecurity, Wildlife Health Australia and the Taronga Wildlife Health Registry, to improve the potential outcomes for wildlife.

Senior WIRES staff are also meeting with Government bodies to ensure preparedness for an outbreak. WIRES has been highly proactive within the sector to ensure preparedness in the event this virus does come to Australia and have put everything possible in-place to protect our precious wildlife. 

What is H5 bird flu? 

H5 is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds but can infect humans and other animals.

Viruses are not new and some variants of avian influenza have existed in Australia for many years, circulating in a low pathogenic form in some birds and rarely causing disease.

Large scale outbreaks of the H5N1 strain have killed millions of animals globally, already impacting over 500 species of birds and 80 species of mammals.

Wildlife Impact

Experts have advised that if H5 bird flu becomes established in wildlife, it may not be possible to eradicate.

Animals that contract H5 can become very unwell and may die quickly. There is currently no available treatment for wildlife.

Symptoms

 Clinical signs can vary between bird species. Several, or all birds, in a flock may be impacted and symptoms can include:

• Lack of coordination

• Arched head

• Paralysis

• Seizures

• Tremors

• Conjunctivitis

• Nasal secretions

• Laboured breathing

• Unusual sudden death.

How to avoid spreading the disease:

To avoid the risk of potential disease spread please:

• Wash your shoes and clothes before and after visiting any national parks or nature reserves.

• Do not feed native wildlife, as eating their native diets is best for them and this will prevent groups of birds congregating together unnecessarily.

• Keep pets away from wildlife, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead birds.

• Avoid touching sick or dead birds, their droppings, body fluids, feathers or surrounding environment.

What to do if you find a sick or dead bird?

Stay vigilant. If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, please follow these steps:

• AVOID: keep people and pets away from the impacted area to avoid any contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment.

• RECORD: take photos or video only if it is safe to do so and take note of the location where the animals were found.

• REPORT: call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 to report unusual illness or mass mortality events.

If you have found a sick, injured or orphaned native animal and are unsure what to do, call WIRES for rescue advice.

Please do not handle sick or dead birds unless you have been advised it is safe to do so.

Can Avian Influenza H5N1 affect humans? What about domestic animals?

So far, it needs a lot of contact for transmission to humans. There have been some cases internationally however so far these cases have been minimal and mostly mild conditions. Even so it’s recommended to avoid dead birds.

There is no risk of infection by eating cooked chicken or eggs.

More Resources

Wildlife Health Australia's H5N1 Resource Page

Government Response

FAQs