Bird Flu: Magpie Tests Positive
Organisers said about 150 exhibitors and volunteers will be affected as South Australia records 119 confirmed cases and the national total reaches 155.
- Australia faces a spreading H5 bird flu crisis with 74 confirmed cases, including the country's first mass mortality event from the virus recorded in South Australia.
- Aerial surveillance teams first spotted 84 greater crested terns infected near Cape Jaffa on July 31, with authorities expecting additional cases as the virus spreads across the region.
- Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced resources are being boosted to respond, including a further $24 million from government sources last month on top of $113 million.
- Officials maintain there is currently no evidence of the virus in poultry or agriculture systems, emphasizing that the risk to human health remains low.
- Authorities thank Australians for acting as the frontline of the biosecurity system, urging citizens to remain vigilant by reporting sightings of dead or sick birds.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
WA preparing for inevitable spread of bird flu
Western Australia is being told to prepare for the inevitable spread of bird flu across the state.
‘Mass mortalities’: WA hotline bombarded as bird flu spreads
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed on Thursday the emergency disease hotline had already received almost 2700 calls, and warned WA to expect ‘mass mortalities of birds’ due to H5 bird flu.
Bird Flu: Magpie Tests Positive
August 6, 2026 There have now been 123 confirmed or presumed positive detections of H5 bird flu in Australia. Acting Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Sam Hamilton said a magpie was among the latest positive detections in Victoria. Other birds included greater crested terns and seagulls in Victoria and South Australia. Dr Hamilton said no detections had been recorded in poultry or the agricultural production system and the risk to human hea…
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