Confirmation of H5 Avian Influenza in Western Australia

At 1.56pm this afternoon, The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry confirmed the detection of H5 avian influenza in a brown skua found on WA’s south coast on 14 June. The bird was unwell, was isolated, and subsequently died. A second bird, a giant petrel, has also returned a positive result and will be subject to further testing to confirm the strain detected.

This is the first detection of the H5 strain on the Australian mainland. The strain was previously detected on Australia’s sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands in southern elephant seals, in October 2025. Mainland Australia had, until now, been the last continent free of H5 bird flu.

The current situation 

The Federal Agriculture Minister has stated that this development is sobering but not unexpected, given the global spread of the virus. Importantly, at this stage there is no evidence of any mass bird or animal mortality in Australia, and no evidence of infection in poultry.

We recommend AVA members:

  • Advise clients and the public not to touch sick or dead birds or animals, and to report them to birdflu.gov.au.
  • Report any suspected case immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
  • Remain alert, as the clinical signs in birds are highly variable ranging from asymptomatic to sudden death. Exercise caution when alerted to any sick bird. Familiarise yourself with the resources available on the AVA website: AVA HPAI Resources
  • Reinforce sound biosecurity and appropriate personal protective equipment in practice, noting the virus can spread via body fluids, droppings, feathers, and contaminated clothing, equipment and vehicles.

While transmission to humans is rare and there is no evidence of person-to-person spread of the current strain, members and their teams should take appropriate precautions when handling suspected cases.

Next Steps 

The AVA is monitoring the situation closely and is engaged with the relevant departments.

Our HPAI resources remain available to support members and practices. Relevant sources include:

We will provide further updates as the situation develops and as official advice is issued. Should the situation escalate significantly, the AVA will consider activation of its disaster response procedures and will communicate accordingly.

The AVA President, Dr Diana Barker, CEO, Melissa King and Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy, Emily-Kate Byrne will be attending Federal Parliament on 24 and 25 June and will receive the latest information on the detection when they meet with representatives from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s office, along with other MPs and Senators.  Importantly, this also represents an opportunity to demonstrate the critical role of Australia’s veterinary workforce in responding to outbreaks of this nature, and the need for urgent investment in the nation’s veterinary workforce.

We thank members for their vigilance and their ongoing contribution to protecting Australia’s animal health, biosecurity and public health.