H5 bird flu detected in native Australian animal for the first time

For the first time, H5 bird flu has been detected in a native Australian animal. A greater crested tern found in Robe, South Australia, has tested positive, in an area where migratory birds carrying the virus had already been detected. Authorities say there are now 12 confirmed detections across Australia, but no evidence of infection in poultry or the agriculture system, and the risk to human health remains low.

First native animal case confirmed

Australia has entered a new phase in its bird flu response.

A greater crested tern, a native Australian seabird, has tested positive for H5 bird flu after being found isolated in Robe, on South Australia’s Limestone Coast.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the bird was found near areas where migratory seabirds carrying H5 had previously been detected.

The case is significant because it is the first confirmed detection of H5 bird flu in a native Australian animal since the virus arrived on the mainland.

Twelve confirmed detections across Australia

There are now 12 confirmed bird flu detections in Australia, while hundreds of suspected cases are being tested across the country.

Authorities are increasing surveillance, particularly in South Australia, where several coastal bird detections have already raised concern.

The first mainland detection of the deadly H5 strain was announced on June 19, after a migratory bird carrying the virus was found in Western Australia. Further detections later followed in South Australia and New South Wales.

No mass mortality at this stage

Minister Collins stressed that there is currently no evidence of mass mortality linked to H5 bird flu in Australia.

She also said there is no evidence of spread to other animal populations, animal production systems, poultry or agriculture.

The federal government continues to assess the risk to human health as low.

This is an important distinction. In other parts of the world, H5 bird flu has caused the deaths of millions of wild birds, poultry and some mammals. Australia has not yet seen that kind of large-scale impact.

Why the tern case matters

The detection in a greater crested tern matters because it shows the virus has moved beyond migratory birds and into local wildlife.

The bird is a coastal species whose range overlaps with migratory seabirds that had already tested positive for H5.

That overlap may explain how the virus reached a native species, but authorities are still monitoring the situation closely.

Wildlife groups warn of a narrow window

Environmental groups say Australia must act quickly to protect vulnerable native species.

Jack Gough, chief executive of the Invasive Species Council, warned that Australia has a narrow window to reduce damage by tackling existing threats already pushing native species towards extinction.

The concern is that H5 could spread through seabird colonies or other wildlife populations, particularly where animals gather in large numbers.

Poultry industry not affected

At this stage, there is no evidence of H5 infection in Australia’s poultry sector.

That is critical for both food security and the agriculture industry.

In other countries, highly pathogenic bird flu has led to mass poultry culls, egg shortages, price rises and major biosecurity pressures.

Australian authorities are working to prevent the virus from entering farms and commercial poultry operations.

Low risk to humans, but caution urged

Health authorities say the risk to humans remains low.

Bird flu can infect humans in rare cases, usually after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

Australians are being told not to touch sick or dead birds.

Anyone who finds a sick or dead bird should record the location, take photos only from a safe distance if possible, and report the sighting through official bird flu channels.

Federal funding for preparedness

The federal government has invested more than $113 million in bird flu preparedness.

That funding supports surveillance, laboratory testing, emergency response, wildlife monitoring and coordination between federal, state and territory authorities.

The arrival of H5 on the mainland had long been considered likely after the virus spread globally from 2021 and was later detected in Australian external territories, including Heard and McDonald Islands.

A warning for Australia’s biodiversity

Australia’s wildlife is unique, but also vulnerable.

The detection of H5 in a native seabird does not mean a wildlife disaster is inevitable. But it is a warning.

So far, there is no mass mortality, no poultry infection and no major human health threat.

But the virus is now present in native wildlife.

That means surveillance, rapid reporting and strong biosecurity will be essential in the weeks ahead.

Do not touch sick or dead birds

The public message is simple: do not touch sick or dead birds.

Report them instead.

That advice is especially important in coastal areas where migratory and native seabirds may share the same habitat.

Australia may still have time to limit the damage.

But the first native animal detection shows that H5 bird flu is no longer only arriving with migratory birds.

It is now inside Australia’s wildlife system.

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