Bird Flu Recorded in First Native Seabird with Confirmed Case Found at Robe
CSIRO testing confirmed the first native seabird infection as authorities reported three more cases and said there was no evidence of spread to farms.
- On Friday, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed the first H5N1 case in a native seabird, a greater crested tern found in Robe, South Australia, marking a new phase in the disease's spread.
- While Australia previously confirmed H5N1 in migratory birds, the virus was first detected in late 2025 on Heard Island, located about 4,100 km from the Australian mainland.
- Officials confirmed two additional infections in South Australia and one in Western Australia on Friday, bringing the total number of detections to 12 across the country.
- Collins described the development as "concerning" but not unexpected, with authorities "implementing enhanced surveillance in the area where this bird was found." Investigation continues to determine the virus's transmission pathway.
- The government reports no evidence of H5N1 spreading to agricultural settings or mass wildlife mortality, affirming that Australia's biosecurity system remains strong despite the virus's continued spread.
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27 Articles
Australia confirms first case of H5N1 in local seabirdIn Australia, the first case of H5N1 virus infection in a local seabird has been confirmed. Investigations of the dead are also carried out. seal for possible infection.
The H5 strain of avian influenza, which is extremely contagious, has been detected in a stumped tern. A first case of infection of local fauna while the virus has so far only been detected in migratory birds. "The risk to human health remains low", the government has quickly reassured. - "Preoccupant" but not "unexpected": the avian flu detected for the first time in a marine bird in Australia (International).
Twelve cases have been recorded in Australia since June, but this is the first time that local wildlife has been affected Scientists have detected the H5 strain of avian influenza for the first time.
Australia has detected the H5 avian influenza virus in local seabirds for the first time, after it was found in great crown gulls off the coast of South Australia. The total number of confirmed cases has now risen to 12.
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