Australia, home to unique and endangered species, has recently confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu on our coasts.
The second case of bird flu on mainland Australia has been identified in a Giant Petrel, found on a remote beach on WA’s south coast. Additional cases are also under review in South Australia. At this stage there is no evidence of further spread to local wildlife populations, although surveillance is now key.
A new study confirmed that bird flu caused a mass mortality of southern elephant seals on Heard Island in late 2025/ early 2026. Across the island, researchers estimate over 13,000 pups were lost, with 97% of pups recorded dead in the worst-hit harem (social and mating group). This sub-Antarctic Australian island is home to over a million breeding seals and seabirds, and is now the latest frontline in the global spread of bird flu, which has already wreaked havoc on marine mammals and seabirds worldwide.
Delays in the virus reaching Australia have provided us with valuable time to prepare and protect our wildlife, but now we must do more to confront this existential threat to our unique wildlife. Funding for preparedness efforts to date have been vital and these plans now need to be put into place urgently, as they have already been done in WA.
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What is Bird Flu?
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a type of viral infection that affects birds, including domestic poultry and wild birds.
This highly infectious virus can cause a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory problems, fever and decreased egg production to sudden death.
It is spread through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated food and water, and airborne transmission.
What is the H5N1 Bird Flu Strain?
Three separate strains of bird flu – H7N3, H7N9 and H7N8 – have already been detected in Australian poultry farms.
The strain that is currently sweeping around the globe is called H5N1, also known as H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The H5N1/HPAI strain is the most highly contagious and deadly version of the bird flu virus, particularly to vulnerable wildlife, including some mammals.
Until now, Australia was the only continent free from the H5N1/HPAI variant that has caused havoc worldwide.
What Should be Done to Protect Australian Wildlife from Bird Flu?
Collaboration is crucial: state and federal government agencies, conservation organisations and the community must work together to protect Australia’s precious marine wildlife.
With the threat now realised, AMCS is working with colleagues at the Biodiversity Council, Invasive Species Council, BirdLife Australia and the Australian Land Conservation Alliance to raise greater awareness.
Together, we are calling for the Australian Government to establish an additional fund for national wildlife resilience of at least $200 million over the next two years, to ensure investment in threatened wildlife populations, focussed on protection and recovery efforts, to ensure threats are minimised should bird flu spread beyond the existing cases.
The experience worldwide demonstrates the potential for this virus to be catastrophic for Australia’s unique wildlife and threatened species. Investing in boosting the resilience of our threatened species by protecting and restoring their habitat, and reducing pressures on their populations is now essential to ensure their future.
What to do:
- If you find a sick or dead bird or other wildlife that you suspect could have bird flu (H5N1), remember to:
- AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not touch, move or approach the bird, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
- RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video (if possible) without approaching the bird / animal.
- REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Wildlife Health Australia have produced detailed advice for people who encounter sick or dead wild birds.
Look for:
- Small groups or clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds of any species.
- Individual or less than 5 sick or dead wild seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey (e.g. eagles, hawks)
Infected live birds may show a wide range of signs if they are sick, including:
- lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
- twisted necks or other unusual posture
- inability to stand or fly
- diarrhoea
- difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
- swelling around the head, neck and eyes
- cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes.
Want to learn more?
Listen to the webinar hosted by the Biodiversity Council and find further resources here