Australia (mainland) - Avian influenza H5N1 in wild birds 2026 (n=13) - Inclds. 1 Local Seabird

[Michael Coston]

Australia: WA Designates 5th Suspected H5N1 Case as `Presumed Positive'






#19,236

Four days ago Western Australia announced the discovery of a suspected H5N1 infected bird in Perth (collected 6/30). To date, more than 1,000 dead birds have been reported in WA alone, but collection and testing takes time, and so only a small percentage have been processed.

And testing - particularly of bird or animal remains - can be difficult, as the ability to detect the virus can degrade over time.

Normally, after a local lab detects the H5 virus, Australian samples are sent to the national CSIRO lab for confirmation. In the case of the above mentioned Perth sample, after nearly a week - while they confirmed H5 - they were unable fully sequence the virus.

However, WA's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Katie Webb announced today, “This case will be considered as ‘presumed positive’ based on the available test results, species involved, coastal location and the broader epidemiological picture.”

So far WA has received more than 1,000 reports of dead birds, but due to the high volume, the DPIRD has prioritized 172 for further investigation. Of those already processed in WA, 5 have tested positive and 64 have tested negative.


As with any disease surveillance system - whether in birds, livestock, or people - confirmed cases will represent only the tip of the pyramid.



In the case of H5N1 in birds:

• Only a percentage of birds will sicken and die (varies by species)
• Only a fraction of those birds will be seen, reported, and collected
• Of those, only a subset will be prioritized for testing
• And of that group, some may not have detectable levels of virus

While 7 cases detected across 3 Australian states may not sound like much, it is actually a pretty strong signal that multiple incursions of HPAI have likely occurred in recent weeks.

This update from the Western Australian government website:

WA responding to ‘presumed positive’ H5 bird flu case in Perth
Media release

Additional testing of the previously reported migratory giant petrel found in the Whitfords - Mullaloo beach area has determined the case is a ‘presumed positive’ detection of the serious H5 bird flu strain.

Last updated: 6 July 2026

Additional testing of the previously reported migratory giant petrel found in the Whitfords - Mullaloo beach area has determined the case is a ‘presumed positive’ detection of the serious H5 bird flu strain.

Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed the petrel had an influenza virus of the H5 subtype.

The case has been classified as a presumed positive because viral sequencing to confirm the virus as H5 bird flu was not able to be achieved.

The inability to obtain a sequence may be due to a range of factors, including the level of decomposition of the carcass.

WA Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Katie Webb said it was considered highly likely the bird was infected with H5 bird flu, but this could not be definitively proven at this stage.

“This case will be considered as ‘presumed positive’ based on the available test results, species involved, coastal location and the broader epidemiological picture,” Dr Webb said.

“This does not change our response in WA. We are treating this the same as a positive case based on the available epidemiological and laboratory evidence.”

This presumed positive case adds to the six confirmed positive detections of H5 bird flu nationally, including four in WA on the southern and south west coasts, one in South Australia and one in New South Wales.

Importantly, there is no evidence the virus has spread beyond these individual migratory seabirds, but we ask the community to be alert and follow advice about reporting sick or dead wildlife.

People should AVOID and not handle the animals, RECORD and take photos or a video and REPORT to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.

There have been more than 1000 reports from WA to the EAD hotline since Friday 19 June. Of these reports, 172 have been prioritised by DPIRD for further investigation or testing based on the risk of H5 bird flu.

To date, a total of 64 negative test results have been recorded across the State.

More information is available on the Australian Government's Bird flu (avian influenza) website.

.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/...suspected.html

[Pathfinder]

...
Jul, 6 2026 | High pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 Bird Flu)

Incident – H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in migratory seabirds, Australia - ongoing

Australia has confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild birds. There are a total of five confirmed cases of H5 bird flu (H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza 2.3.4.4.b), four in Western Australia and one in South Australia. This is the first time the globally circulating H5 bird flu strain has been detected in Australia. New South Wales is now also responding to a confirmed detection of H5 bird flu in a giant petrel found near Hawks Nest (NSW DPIRD – Avian influenza) and a suspect case from Perth WA is pending confirmation at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

All species are migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.

There is no evidence of mass mortalities in wildlife or any infection in poultry at this time.

The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD), South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and NSW’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) are leading on-ground activities and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is supporting national coordination.

AVOID. RECORD. REPORT.

Any unusual illness or death in wild birds should be reported via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information on these H5 bird flu events, see:

• birdflu.gov.au
• WA DPIRD - Avian influenza for WA information
• PIRSA - Avian influenzafor SA information
• NSW DPIRD - Avian influenza for NSW information

See Australian reports to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for more information: Event 7649

WHA information can be found on the WHA H5 Bird Flu resource centre, which provides information sheets, videos and toolkits for preparing, understanding and responding to H5 bird flu.

https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Incidents/Incident-Information/incident-h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-h5-bird-flu-in-migratory-seabirds-australia-ongoing

[Pathfinder]

Bird flu (Avian influenza)

Together we can prepare to better protect our people, wildlife and farms from H5 bird flu.

June 2026 H5 bird flu detection

As of 9am AEST, 7 July 2026, Australia has seven confirmed (or presumed) detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds.

There are five confirmed in Western Australia (WA), one in South Australia (SA) and one in New South Wales (NSW).

There is no evidence of any mass mortality. There is no evidence of infection in poultry or the wider agriculture industry.

The risk to human health remains low.

Australia is well prepared to respond quickly.

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More information is available in the update below.

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu

[Pathfinder]

Scavenger animals are the missing link in Australia’s bird flu response. Three experts explain

Published: July 7, 2026 3:48pm EDT

Authors

Niraj Meisuria
PhD Student in Disease Ecology, University of Sydney

Michael Ward
Chair of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, University of Sydney

Thomas Newsome
Associate Professor in Global Ecology, University of Sydney
...

Australia is racing to contain the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is now believed to have infected seven seabirds.

There are currently five confirmed or suspected cases of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain in Western Australia, alongside one in South Australia and one in New South Wales.

HPAI is still not established in Australia, and currently poses little risk to human health. But the H5N1 strain has already devastated wildlife populations globally.

We’re yet to see how this deadly virus will affect our country’s wildlife. But an urgent concern is the potential for scavenger animals to spread H5N1 further by eating infected carcasses.

The role of scavengers

The term carcass, which refers to the body of a dead animal, may make you queasy. But carcasses are a natural and vital part of our ecosystems.

They provide food for scavengers, who in turn ensure our landscapes aren’t littered with dead animal material. Vultures are the most well-known example.

But Australia has no vultures. Instead, our “clean up crew” is made up of a hodgepodge list of native and invasive species including dingoes, Tasmanian devils, red foxes, feral pigs, quolls, raptors such as kites and sea eagles, and corvids such as crows and ravens.

We now know 48 species of Australian vertebrate animals will, in certain conditions, feed on carcasses. But scavenging isn’t limited to carnivores. In fact, research shows almost all animals will scavenge if needed, including herbivores such as brushtail possums.

Infected carcasses are a risk

H5N1 in Australia poses a risk to any species that scavenges, or even touches, an infected carcass.

Raptors, corvids and gulls commonly scavenge along shorelines and are most vulnerable to the virus. Mammals that forage along coastlines, such as red foxes, may also be more at risk.

The H5N1 strain can survive in infected carcasses for up to 30 days at 20°C, and 240 days at 4°C. This creates a wide window during which scavengers can be exposed to the virus.

A scavenger that eats a contaminated carcass may get sick. But they can also spread the virus by moving infected carcass material or infecting other animals through their bodily fluids. Scavengers may also die from the virus and contaminate any other scavengers that feed on their carcass.

It’s difficult to predict how H5N1 may spread through Australia’s scavenger species, because we don’t have any detailed research looking at which species actually eat dead birds.

However, international research shows mammals can be infected after consuming infected bird carcasses. Scientists have also observed high rates of H5N1 infection and death in vultures in Europe and the US.

Scavenging may be seasonal

Whether scavengers actually feed on carcasses often depends on the season. Research suggests birds and mammals scavenge more in winter compared to summer. That’s because there is typically less live prey available in the colder months.

This is concerning, given the H5N1 strain has arrived in the middle of the Australian winter. However, summer may slow the spread of the virus. One reason is scavenging insects such as flies, ants and beetles can consume carcasses extremely quickly, sometimes even faster than mammals and birds. In doing so, they may reduce how many infected carcasses scavengers are exposed to.

So, what can we do?

There are several ways we can curb the spread of H5N1 through our scavenger species.

One is to immediately remove any infected carcasses, particularly from high-value conservation areas. We should also limit activities likely to cause the build-up of carcasses, such as recreational duck or quail hunting.

Where we can’t get rid of carcasses, we must track scavenger activity. This is possible through carcass monitoring, which can help identify which species are actually eating dead birds and whether they are native or introduced. We want to protect our native scavengers, while limiting the harm introduced scavengers may do to our ecosystems.

We must also monitor the scavengers themselves. As with wild birds, this allows us to notice any virus-related health problems and measure overall infection rates.

Our bird flu response must prioritise the health and management of scavenger animals. Only then can we protect our animals, ecosystems and communities from a wider H5N1 outbreak.

https://theconversation.com/scavenger-animals-are-the-missing-link-in-australias-bird-flu-response-three-experts-explain-286046

[Pathfinder]

Largest aerial survey of coastline in decades as SA records second bird flu case


Wednesday 8 July 2026
The largest aerial survey undertaken in more than four decades of South Australia’s coastline, islands and reefs has found no evidence of widespread impacts from H5 bird flu on wildlife.

It comes as South Australia records its second confirmed detection of H5 bird flu, in a giant petrel collected from Hardwicke Bay on Yorke Peninsula. The first case in SA was confirmed on June 24 in another giant petrel at Port Elliot on Fleurieu Peninsula.

Testing at PIRSA’s Glenside facility has also led to two further suspect cases in giant petrels. Both birds were collected on Monday 6 July, one from Port Vincent on the Yorke Peninsula and the second from Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island. Samples from both birds have been sent to the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong for further analysis.

Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry or any non-migratory wild birds in SA, nor has it become established in any part of Australia.

The extensive rapid surveillance operation covered almost 5,000 kilometres, with more than 30,000 seabirds and seals recorded from about 600 locations, including 85 islands, islets and reefs between the Head of Bight and The Pages (east of Kangaroo Island).

In terms of scale and geographic coverage, this is the largest coordinated survey of South Australia’s offshore islands and coastal wildlife since the landmark island surveys of the 1970s and early 1980s. Those surveys took almost a decade to build a picture of South Australia’s offshore biodiversity.

This survey, which is the first of many, was conducted in two and a half days utilising helicopters, a fixed wing plane, remote-control drones and field crews on the ground.

It provides an important baseline of population size and breeding locations for key South Australian marine species such as coastal seabirds, and marine mammals that can be impacted by H5 bird flu such as Long-nosed Fur Seals and Australian Sea Lions.

Importantly, no evidence of multiple sick or dead seabirds or seals or widespread impact was observed during the surveys, with conditions appearing normal across the surveyed areas.

Additional aerial surveys have targeted other remote areas in the state, including Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, the Riverland, the Lower Lakes and the Coorong.

South Australia has been preparing for H5 bird flu for the past few years, with the State and Federal Governments investing a combined $8.1 million into PIRSA to boost its emergency response capabilities, surveillance, diagnostics, workforce capability and overall readiness.

Other preparedness efforts have included training and simulation exercises, and other targeted environmental and wildlife activities.

A further $3.5 million has been invested into the Department for Environment and Water from the Federal Government to support preparedness and resilience building activities for the environment and at-risk wildlife.

Federal funding has also been allocated to the Zoo and Aquarium Association to help safeguard threatened native species at Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

What you can do

The community is encouraged to report any dead or sick birds or wildlife showing signs of bird flu. Possible signs of bird flu in birds include:

• multiple sick or dead birds in one location
• weakness, inability to stand or fly
• neurological signs or abnormal behaviour
• swelling or discolouration
• respiratory distress.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, 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.

For more information on bird flu visit birdflu. For information on bird flu preparedness in South Australia, visit birdflu.

https://pir.sa.gov.au/news/biosecurity/largest-aerial-survey-of-coastline-in-decades-as-sa-records-second-bird-flu-case

[Pathfinder]

Bird flu (Avian influenza)

Together we can prepare to better protect our people, wildlife and farms from H5 bird flu.

June 2026 H5 bird flu detection

As of 9am AEST, 9 July 2026, Australia has eight confirmed (or presumed) detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds.

There are five confirmed in Western Australia (WA), two in South Australia (SA) and one in New South Wales (NSW).

There is no evidence of any mass mortality. There is no evidence of infection in poultry or the wider agriculture industry.

The risk to human health remains low.

Australia is well prepared to respond quickly.

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More information is available in the update below.

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu

[Pathfinder]

Avian influenza

Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease caused by strains of influenza A virus. It mainly affects birds.

Last updated: 8 July 2026

There are different strains of avian influenza. A new highly pathogenic strain H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b (known as H5 avian influenza or H5 bird flu) has been affecting wild birds, poultry and wild and domestic mammals across the world.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is responding to the confirmed (or presumed) detection of H5 bird flu in 5 wild migratory sea birds east of Esperance, at Quindalup and in the Whitfords-Mullaloo beach area of Perth.

DPIRD is also responding to two additional suspect detections in wild migratory seabirds. These suspect detections were from two individual dead petrels, observed at Horrocks Beach in the Shire of Northampton and at Mullaloo Beach on Perth’s north metropolitan coast.

DPIRD is leading the State response working in collaboration with the departments of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Health, and the Western Australian Local Government Association, with national coordination led by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Anyone who sees sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife, should report it to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888. Avoid contact with the animals and take photos or video if possible and note the location to assist with the report.

https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-primary-industries-and-regional-development/avian-influenza

[Pathfinder]

Jul, 9 2026 | High pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 Bird Flu)

Incident – H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in migratory seabirds, Australia - ongoing

In June 2026, Australia confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild birds. There are a total of eight confirmed (or presumed) cases of H5 bird flu (H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza 2.3.4.4.b), five in Western Australia, two in South Australia, and one in New South Wales. The most recent detection in WA is presumed positive as laboratory testing was unable to fully confirm the specific H5 strain.

Four suspect detections, two from SA (Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island) and two from WA (Horrocks Beach and Perth) are awaiting results from confirmatory testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

To date all detections have been in individual migratory seabirds whose species are known to occasionally visit coastal areas of southern Australia.

There is no evidence of mass mortalities in wildlife or any infection in poultry at this time.

The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD), South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) are leading on-ground activities and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is supporting national coordination.

AVOID. RECORD. REPORT.

Any unusual illness or death in wild birds should be reported via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information on these H5 bird flu events, see:

• birdflu.gov.au
• WA DPIRD - Avian influenza for WA information
• PIRSA - Avian influenzafor SA information
• NSW DPIRD - Avian influenza for NSW information

See Australian reports to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for more information: Event 7649

WHA information can be found on the WHA H5 Bird Flu resource centre, which provides information sheets, videos and toolkits for preparing, understanding and responding to H5 bird flu.


https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com....tralia-ongoing

[Michael Coston]

Australia Confirms H5N1 in Local Seabird - Confirmed Detections (N=13)




Greater Crested Tern
Link CC 4.0 Author mattf1996




#19,241

While long expected (see Australia : Biodiversity Council Webinar on HPAI H5 Avian Flu Threat), just three weeks ago Australia reported their first detection of HPAI H5N1 in a migratory bird (brown skua) in Western Australia.

Since then two other states (South Australia & NSW) have reported detections in migratory birds - with the nation's tally standing at 7 as of Monday, July 6th.

Overnight (here in the U.S.) Reuters has reported two new events of import - the first detection of H5N1 in a local seabird in SA, and testing of a dead seal in NSW - although the most recent governmental summary report mentions neither of them.

It is also worth noting that some of the granular reporting featured in earlier announcements (exact locations, dates of recovery, suspected cases under investigation, etc.) have recently been replaced by briefer summaries.

First, the latest official update.

June 2026 H5 bird flu detection

As of 8.30pm AEST, 10 July 2026, Australia has 13 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds.

There are seven confirmed in Western Australia (WA), five in South Australia (SA) and one in New South Wales (NSW).

There is no evidence of any mass mortality. There is no evidence of infection in poultry or the wider agriculture industry.

The risk to human health remains low. Australia is well prepared to respond quickly. If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. More information is available in the update below.

While a bit terse, we get some additional detail - including confirmation of the detection in a local seabird - in the following report from Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer:

H5 bird flu testing updates

10 July 2026

Attributable to the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson:

Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed four additional detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu).

This includes a detection in a greater crested tern, found near Robe, South Australia. This is the first detection of H5 bird flu in an Australian wild non-migratory seabird.

CSIRO’s ACDP has confirmed two additional positive cases in wild migratory seabirds from South Australia. The petrels were found in Port Vincent, Yorke Peninsula and Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island.

CSIRO’s ACDP has also confirmed another positive result in a previously reported suspect petrel from Mullaloo Beach, Perth in Western Australia. Testing remains underway for a further suspect case from a petrel at Horrocks Beach in the Shire of Northampton.

There have now been 12 confirmed or presumed positive detections of H5 bird flu in Australia.

There remains no evidence of any mass mortality events, and there are no detections in poultry or in our agricultural production system.

The risk to human health remains low.

And lastly we get the following update from Western Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, where roughly 100 of > 1,400 wildlife-related reports have thus far been investigated, producing 7 positive results.

H5 bird flu confirmed on northern WA beaches
Media release

Western Australia has now recorded seven confirmed (or presumed positive) cases of H5 bird flu in individual wild migratory seabirds.

Last updated: 10 July 2026

Western Australia has now recorded seven confirmed (or presumed positive) cases of H5 bird flu in individual wild migratory seabirds.

Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness today confirmed the virus in the previously reported suspect positive dead petrel at Mullaloo Beach on the north Perth metropolitan coast.

Another dead petrel previously reported at Horrocks Beach near Northampton was classified as presumed positive with further testing unable to definitively determine H5 bird flu virus through viral sequencing.

It is considered highly likely this bird was infected with H5 bird flu based on the H5 test results, species involved, coastal location and the broader epidemiological picture.

WA is responding to both cases with heightened surveillance in the coastal areas.

Nationally, there have been 13 confirmed or presumed positive results of H5 bird flu in Australia.

This includes 12 wild migratory seabirds, and one confirmed detection announced today in a greater crested tern found near Robe in South Australia. This is the first confirmed detection in an Australian non-migratory seabird.

Importantly, at this time, there is no evidence of any large-scale deaths in wildlife, nor any evidence of infection in poultry or in our agricultural production system

The seven confirmed detections in WA are isolated occurrences and dispersed along a significant length of coastline from east of Esperance to Northampton.

Coastal communities are encouraged to report sick or dead wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline for assessment.

There has been more than 1400 wildlife-related reports from WA to the hotline since the first confirmed case on 19 June. Of these reports, 228 have been prioritised for further investigation.

To date, a total of 93 negative test results has been recorded across the State.

Each report is carefully reviewed and assessed based on factors such as the species involved, the number of animals affected, the location and the likelihood of disease risk.

Not every report will result in birds being tested or collected, but every report does help inform the understanding of the disease and what is happening in the environment.

People are reminded to avoid handing the animals, record their observations by photo or video and report to the EAD hotline on 1800 675 888.

Based on the previous report of July 6th, the number of wildlife hotline reports has increased by roughly 400 in the past 4 days, while the number of samples tested in WA have risen from 70 to roughly 100.

Given that 7% of the first 100 tests from WA have come back positive, it is probably safe to say that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg.

Stay tuned.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/07/australia-confirms-h5n1-in-local.html

[Pathfinder]

Doorstop in Hobart, Tasmania

10 July 2026

E&OE TRANSCRIPT
DOORSTOP
HOBART
FRIDAY, 10 JULY 2026

SUBJECTS: H5 bird flu; Rushy Lagoon sale

JULIE COLLINS, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY: CSIRO lab testing has confirmed H5 bird flu in a Greater Crested Tern found in Robe, South Australia. This detection in South Australia is the first case of the H5 bird flu in an Australian seabird. Two further cases from South Australia and one from Western Australia have now been confirmed as H5 bird flu through CSIRO lab testing. This brings the total detections of H5 bird flu in Australia to 12. There is one further suspected positive from Western Australia that is still with the CSIRO lab for confirmatory testing. Our scientists are undertaking further work to establish the potential pathway that resulted in the Australian seabird’s infection. What we do know is that this is a coastal seabird that has an overlapping coastal range with migratory seabirds that have previously tested positive for H5. I have been briefed this morning by Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer on this development, and our experts are continuing to meet to discuss the ongoing response. While this, of course, is a concerning development, it is not unexpected and is another sign that our strong biosecurity system is working. The South Australian Government, who is leading the response on the ground in South Australia, is implementing enhanced surveillance in the area where this bird was found. This will help to establish if there have been further spread of the H5 bird flu. I do want to reiterate, though, that at this time there is still no evidence of any mass mortalities due to the H5 bird flu, nor is there any evidence of spread to other animal productions or populations at this time. There is no evidence currently of any infection in our poultry or agriculture system, and there remains a low risk to human health. Our Government has been preparing for this with over $113 million invested to boost our H5 bird flu preparedness and response capability as part of our additional $2 billion biosecurity resourcing that we have delivered since coming to Government. Our response to bird flu has been both swift and coordinated. As I’ve indicated several weeks ago, our national biosecurity response arrangements have been enacted, with states and territory governments managing the situation on the ground. But I also want to again thank the Australian public for reporting sick or dead birds in recent weeks. And if you see sick or dead birds or animals, please do not touch them, avoid contact with them, record where they are and record them if possible and make a report to birdflu.gov.au. I’m happy to take some questions.

JOURNALIST: Just on the Greater Crested Tern, you must be worried about that, being the first Australian seabird that’s tested positive? And can you give us an idea, when you talk about enhanced surveillance, are you talking about extra personnel? Can you just give us a picture of what that looks like?

COLLINS: In terms of the Greater Crested Tern, this is the first Australian bird that we have detected the H5 bird flu in, and it shows that our biosecurity system is working. This was a single bird located in Robe in South Australia. The South Australians then sent it off for testing. It’s then gone to the CSIRO lab where it has been confirmed as a Greater Crested Tern and with the H5 bird flu. So certainly, we are working closely with the South Australian Government in terms of their enhanced surveillance. They have already increased their surveillance, and they’ve been doing coastal surveillance, and they still have quite healthy populations of Australian seabirds, and they have not detected any mass mortalities. They’ll continue this surveillance, and the Minister in South Australia will stand up this afternoon and will have more to say.

JOURNALIST: All right. That surveillance, like, are we talking 20 people, 40 people down the coast going through the bush?

COLLINS: This is managed on the ground by the states and territories, and I’m obviously providing you with this information at the earliest opportunity, and that means that I may not have as much detail as you are seeking at this point in time. We are being as upfront with the Australian public at the earliest opportunity in every case. And certainly, I have only just been briefed this morning, and these lab results have only just come through this morning. The South Australian Government Minister will be standing up later today in response to this in South Australia. And certainly, the South Australians have been putting more people on the ground. And this was found and identified by a member of the public and reported it through the animal disease hotline. So that can be found at birdflu.gov.au. And certainly it was a single bird. There were not other dead birds found with this bird in the location, as I’m advised.

JOURNALIST: Can you tell us a bit more about what that location was and when exactly it was found?

COLLINS: It was found just a few days ago, and it’s taken a bit of time for the laboratory testing to come through. But certainly, in Robe in South Australia. I understand it was in a coastal area, and the South Australian Minister will provide more detail in relation to the exact location and where it was.

JOURNALIST: Do you know if this is a bird species that travels alone or is it likely to be part of a flock?

COLLINS: That is a technical question, I don’t have the detail. But I do understand it is a coastal seabird and it does overlap with the migratory seabirds that we have found the H5 bird flu in.

JOURNALIST: Last weekend the Chief Vet advised poultry farmers of free range flocks to bring the flocks indoors if they could for the next fortnight. It wasn’t a mandatory request. Are you aware of how many farmers have actually abided by that advice and put their flocks indoors?

COLLINS: Well, those orders are actually enacted by states and territories, and states and territories have been working with local industry in those areas close to where the detections have been found. And they have been working with, particularly, poultry farmers, substantial farmers in those regions in relation to what sort of housing orders need to be in place. And as you indicated, they were temporary in terms of the 14 days in those regions and areas, if the Government has actually enacted them.

JOURNALIST: Do you know whether people have adhered to that advice?

COLLINS: Well, that would be a matter for it being managed on the ground by the states and territories.

JOURNALIST: If I could ask, how across the preparations are you in Tasmania, whether Tasmania has learned anything from how other states are responding to this?

COLLINS: My understanding is that in Tasmania we have had some reports of dead birds and that the Tasmanian state government has been testing those. At this stage there are no suspected positives in Tasmania, and the Tasmanian Government has been working on the ground. As I said earlier, I really do want to thank the public because they are our first line of defence when it comes to biosecurity and they have been extraordinary. We have been dealing with literally hundreds of calls – thousands, in fact, nationwide. And they are being triaged by the states and territories. And we’ve now tested hundreds of birds across the country.

JOURNALIST: Do you know if that particular – again, a technical question – that particular kind of bird does travel to Tasmania?

COLLINS: I don’t know the detail, but I’m happy to find out for you.

JOURNALIST: With 12 confirmed or 12 detections now at this point in time, at what point will federal authorities need to consider ramping up any responses to ensure that it is able to keep on top of any future escalations of these detection numbers?

COLLINS: So our technical experts are meeting on a regular basis as needed, and they’ll meet when we get some more detail in terms of the sequency, and that comes from the CSIRO lab, and seek to determine whether this particular tern has caught it off these migratory birds. If it’s the same sort of sequence as that or not, and to see if they’re able to get any more information. They may not be able to, but they’re certainly working around the clock to try and get us the best information they have available for our technical experts to make those decisions. And they’ll then provide advice to governments.

JOURNALIST: Do you know how many reports have been made in Tasmania and what the average testing time is?

COLLINS: No, but we could probably get that information for you.

JOURNALIST: Minister, I’ve got some questions about Rushy Lagoon, if everyone else is done with bird flu?

COLLINS: Everybody finished with bird flu?

JOURNALIST: With Rushy Lagoon, the Acting Premier here has asked the Prime Minister to intervene in the sale of Rushy Lagoon. Will he?

COLLINS: Well, obviously this is a significant investment in northern Tasmania at a time when our Premier is actually overseas seeking this type of investment in Tasmania. We’re talking about a $140 million investment. We’re talking about 190 jobs, so this is a significant investment in Northern Tasmania.

JOURNALIST: Will the Prime Minister intervene? That’s the point of the question.

COLLINS: Well, obviously it’s gone through quite a process with the Foreign Investment Review Board, and that process has been gone through and a recommendation was made to the Treasurer that this sale be approved. It’s obviously up to Tasmanian landowners on who they wish to sell their property to, and it has gone through an appropriate and proper process.

JOURNALIST: Tasmanians are pretty cranky about this, particularly the green energy finance – Clean Energy Finance Corporation also being part of this sale. Does it pass the pub test?

COLLINS: What I would say there is obviously in the local community there has been a lot of what I would call misinformation, and concern out there. What I would reiterate is this is a significant investment in northern Tasmania at a time when northern Tasmania needs local jobs. We’re talking about 190 jobs. We’re also importantly talking about some timber and farming still occurring on the site. But, importantly, timber at a time when Australia has a timber shortage and at a time when we do need timber for construction of homes.

JOURNALIST: How confident are you that this bid by the foreign company backed by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation with taxpayer support hasn’t crowded out Tasmanian farmers and companies from buying that land?

COLLINS: This property has been on the market for a very long time – I understand for almost 10 years. And this process, of course, has been ongoing for some time in terms of the sale and has gone through a rigorous process. I would reiterate, this is a significant investment and, we do, of course, need the timber. As I’ve said, there’s a timber shortage nationally, and this timber will be important in terms of housing construction in the future.

JOURNALIST: Northern Tasmania, though, has seen failed managed investment schemes before. We’ve heard harrowing stories more than a decade ago. It’s similar in the kind of proposal that is being put forward now as to what to turn Rushy Park into. Are you confident that this is not going to end in tears like that last time?

COLLINS: Well, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation obviously acts independently of Government and it has assessed it in a rigorous process and has determined that this investment is worthwhile. And obviously this is an equity investment, so there would be a return to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and, therefore, the Australian taxpayer from this investment occurring in northern Tasmania.

JOURNALIST: Sure. You’re the senior Federal Government Cabinet Minister here in Tasmania. You would have known how devastating the MIS scheme was. We’re talking more than a decade ago. Are you confident that this is not going to end in tears?

COLLINS: Well, what I’m confident about is that it’s gone through rigorous independent processes, through the Foreign Investment Review Board and through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and that the $140 million investment in Tasmania, in northern Tasmania, is much needed.

JOURNALIST: Acting Premier Bridget Archer yesterday said that there had been local interest expressed with Rushy Lagoon. As the Federal Agriculture Minister, were you aware of any local interest from Tasmania being expressed to purchase that land?

COLLINS: Well, as I’m sure as you would appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me to have, you know, a specified role in terms of who a private seller sells their land to. This was owned by a New Zealand company and has been bought by another company. And certainly it is not my role to go around and tell people what they can and can’t do with their individual land. The Tasmanian state government had the land classifications on it, and this is within the land classifications that the Tasmanian government has set.

JOURNALIST: But were you or the federal government aware that there was local interest in this land?

COLLINS: Well, obviously it’s a matter for the land seller on who they sell their land to, and it’s gone through a rigorous process.

JOURNALIST: Do you believe this is the best outcome for Tasmania’s environment long term?

COLLINS: Well, I do think that it’s important that we continue to have investment in Tasmania. We’re talking about farming activities continuing, but we’re also talking about significant investment that will create jobs in northern Tasmania. And we’re also talking about additional timber that certainly Tasmania and the country needs.

JOURNALIST: Was local interest given a fair look in for a potential purchase of this land?

COLLINS: Local interests would have had the same opportunities as everybody else in terms of any bids that they put towards the seller.

JOURNALIST: Can the public have confidence that the government in future purchases like this will be transparent about the involvement of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation?

COLLINS: Well, obviously these go through rigorous processes, as I’ve indicated. And in terms of the Foreign Investment Review Board, those decisions are taken by the Board and there are recommendations to Government, and the Treasurer has made a decision in line with the recommendation. They do go through a very rigorous process, as they have under previous Governments of all persuasions.

https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/collins/speeches-and-transcripts/doorstop-hobart-bird-flu-rushy-lagoon

[Lance]

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7649

[Commonground]

Zoos closing exhibits in bid to protect their animals
July 12, 2026

Zoos and wildlife parks in Australia are having to temporarily shut down exhibits in a bid to protect their creatures from the deadly new strain of bird flu.

With the H5 strain now confirmed to be on Australian soil, Aussie animal attractions have been forced to make major adjustments to help prevent the spread.
-snip-
At Adelaide Zoo, bosses have made the difficult decision to temporarily close its walk-through aviaries and suspend its little penguin experience.

The CBD attraction, which is the only zoo in Australia that has giant pandas, has also put a halt to its free flight bird shows, which usually take place daily to showcase the aerial skills of birds such as owls and macaws.
-snip-
He said that the main threat to animals in the zoo would be brought by wild birds finding their way into the premises - adding that measures were being taken to mitigate for that.

continued: https://www.news.com.au/technology/s...0845a7a2bd5d08

[Pathfinder]

Queensland wildlife rescuers prepare for bird flu after sick giant petrel found at Noosa

By Jessica Ross and Kaitlyn Sawrey
ABC Sunshine Coast

7h ago
...
The wildlife rescuer's hazmat suit in Queensland's holiday hotspot drew plenty of attention, but his focus was on a northern giant petrel lying on the sand.
...
The sick bird was taken to RSPCA Queensland's Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Eumundi and swab tested on Saturday for H5 avian influenza (bird flu).

It was then transferred to Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue at Landsborough, where it remains in quarantine.
...

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-13/sick-bird-found-at-noosa-amid-avian-influenza-preparations/106909104

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https://www.facebook.com/twinniespelicans/