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