H5N1 bird flu, which has devastated global wildlife, has reached Australia, posing a significant threat to the country's unique and endemic species, with over 150 bird species and 10 mammals at high risk of extinction or major population declines.
Citizen scientists in South Australia reported being told by the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline to collect a dead bird, contradicting official H5N1 bird flu advice. The SA government is investigating the incident and reiterating correct protocols to staff and stakeholders.
Queensland's former chief scientist has urged the government to engage its bird-watching community to monitor for the H5N1 bird flu strain, which has killed millions of birds globally and is feared to spread to the state. Conservationists warn Queensland's unique bird species could be severely impacted.
Avian influenza (H5N1) has arrived on the Australian mainland, with two migratory seabirds testing positive near Esperance, WA, and a further case in SA. Birdlife Australia warns this poses an existential threat to native ducks, already pressured by habitat loss and hunting.
Bird flu has led to the culling of over 400 billion chickens since 2001 and infected more than 100 mammal species. Human infections total 997 with a 47.9% fatality rate. Egg prices surged to $8-$10 per dozen in early 2025 due to outbreaks.
Mulligans Flat Sanctuary in Canberra is building quarantine pens for its endangered eastern quoll population due to the threat of H5 bird flu, which could decimate the species.
A new suspected case of H5 bird flu has been detected at Roses Beach near Esperance, Western Australia, marking the fifth confirmed or suspected case in Australia. While two cases are confirmed in migratory seabirds in WA and one in South Australia, the new suspected case is undergoing testing. Authorities are relying on public reports for surveillance and have convened an emergency meeting to discuss the response.
South Australia confirmed its first H5N1 bird flu case, prompting wildlife rescuers to call for support to establish a dedicated treatment facility. Veterinarians are hesitant to treat wild birds due to risks, while experts warn of potential significant mortality events in native wildlife.
South Australian Liberal Senator Alex Antic faced condemnation from Labor MPs and his own party for suggesting bird flu detections are a pharmaceutical industry "spin" to sell flu vaccines, following H5N1 cases in Western and South Australia.
A third confirmed case of H5 bird flu in Australia has been identified in a giant petrel on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, with WA reporting an additional suspected case near Dunsborough, prompting precautions and monitoring.
Papua New Guinea has suspended imports of Australian poultry and eggs due to the detection of the H5N1 bird flu virus in wild birds in Western Australia. PNG is Australia's largest overseas customer for chicken meat.
Australia's native birds, including black swans, face a "very high risk" of extinction from bird flu. Meanwhile, Europe experiences record heatwaves with 40 drownings in France, and the US Secretary of State addresses shipping tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
Over 150 unique Australian bird species, including black swans, are at very high risk of extinction or decline from the H5N1 bird flu. The virus, confirmed in WA, poses a significant threat due to the lack of external repopulation options for endemic species.
Tasmanian poultry producers are increasing biosecurity measures as the H5N1 avian influenza strain, detected in Western Australia, poses a threat. While some farmers can house birds indoors, others face potential business shutdowns and mass euthanasia if the virus reaches their farms.
Two dead seabirds, potentially a white-headed petrel and another petrel species, were found on Fowlers Bay Beach in South Australia and are being tested for the H5N1 bird flu virus. This follows Australia's first confirmed cases of the virus in migratory birds in Western Australia earlier this week. South Australia has increased monitoring along its west coast.
H5N1 bird flu has been detected in Western Australia for the first time, with a dead brown skua found in Cape Le Grand national park. While the risk to humans is low, authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The virus has previously spread globally and rarely infects humans.
Australia's Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated the nation is prepared for the H5 bird flu virus after a second bird tested positive. Meanwhile, parliament will adjourn early for the controversial opening of the Anzac Hall extension at the Australian War Memorial, with Ben Roberts-Smith expected to attend. An independent senator criticized the government's rapid tax overhaul legislation.
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, with Andy Burnham widely expected to succeed him. Meanwhile, Five Eyes intelligence agencies warn of AI capable of destabilizing governments, and Australia sees a decline in support for multiculturalism.
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, with Andy Burnham expected to succeed him. Meanwhile, Five Eyes intelligence agencies warn of AI capable of toppling governments, and Australia sees a decline in support for multiculturalism.
A deadly strain of H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in migratory seabirds in southern Western Australia, raising concerns among farmers and producers. Authorities are testing more birds, while producers implement strict biosecurity measures.
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed in Western Australia after two seabirds, a brown skua and a giant petrel, tested positive. Both birds have died, marking the first time the virus has reached Australia, raising concerns for wildlife and industry.
Australia is enhancing bird flu surveillance along its southern coast, focusing on two migratory seabird species, a giant petrel and a brown skua, that tested positive for the H5N1 virus. These birds, which travel from subantarctic islands, could potentially spread the virus to other wildlife and domestic birds.
Australia is intensifying bird flu surveillance along its southern coast, focusing on two migratory seabird species, the giant petrel and brown skua, that have tested positive for the H5N1 virus. These birds travel from subantarctic islands, raising concerns about potential spread to other wildlife and domestic birds.
The H5N1 bird flu has reached Australia's mainland, with two wild birds in Western Australia testing positive. Poultry producer Ingham's has initiated a "complete lockdown" in WA as a precautionary measure, while authorities work to assess the spread and impact of the virus.
