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H5N1 bird flu confirmed in Australia for the first time, meaning virus has now reached every continent

Australia has confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in wild birds. The virus was first detected in a brown skua and has now been confirmed in a giant petrel on the New South Wales Mid North Coast. This marks the arrival of the virus on the final remaining continent.

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What changed

Officials have now confirmed a case of H5N1 in New South Wales.

Live updates

  1. H5N1 Bird Flu Confirmed in New South Wales

    Australia has confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in wild birds. The virus was first detected in a brown skua and has now been confirmed in a giant petrel on the New South Wales Mid North Coast. This marks the arrival of the virus on the final remaining continent.

    What's confirmed:

    • Australia notified the WOAH of its first H5N1 detection in a migratory brown skua on 20 June 2026.
    • A giant petrel found on the New South Wales Mid North Coast tested positive for H5N1.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The H5N1 virus can be fatal to dogs and cats.
    • A suspected case was recorded on the Central Coast of New South Wales.
    confidence 100%

  2. H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads to South Australia

    H5N1 bird flu has reached Australia, making it the last continent to be affected. The virus has been detected in both Western Australia and South Australia. Officials are monitoring wild ducks as potential next hosts.

    What's confirmed:

    • H5N1 bird flu has been detected in Western Australia and South Australia.
    • The virus arrived in Australia from Antarctica via seabirds.
    • The federal government lists 10 mammal species and over 150 native bird species as very high risk.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • A suspected case in Western Australia could bring the total infection count to four.
    • Three dead seabirds in South Australia and two wild birds in Western Australia are undergoing testing.
    confidence 90%

  3. Australia Confirms Second H5N1 Bird Flu Case in Migratory Bird

    Australia has confirmed its second case of H5N1 bird flu in a migratory seabird. The virus has now reached every continent. Western Australian poultry farms have locked down to prevent further spread.

    What's confirmed:

    • Australia has confirmed its first and second cases of H5N1 bird flu.
    • The virus was found in migratory birds.
    • The arrival of the virus means H5N1 has now reached every continent.
    • Poultry farms in Western Australia have been locked down.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Australia lacked preparation for the arrival of bird flu.
    • Thousands of baby seals died on two sub-Antarctic islands due to H5N1.
    confidence 90%