Australia detects new H5 bird flu cases in seabirds, raising wildlife biosecurity concerns

Seventeen detections of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds across Australia prompt renewed focus on wildlife protection and biosecurity measures, with no current threat to poultry or humans.

Australia has confirmed 17 detections of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds across Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Officials say there have been no cases in poultry or the wider agricultural sector, and no evidence of large-scale wildlife deaths.

The outbreak, which has so far been confined to coastal seabirds, is being treated as a wildlife and biosecurity issue rather than a broader livestock emergency. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says the virus poses particular risks to native species, ecosystems and threatened fauna, and has urged the public not to handle sick or dead birds.

State and territory authorities are leading field responses, while federal agencies continue surveillance and coordination with industry. DAFF said heightened biosecurity measures in poultry should remain in place for a further two weeks while risk-based guidance is finalised.

Human health risk remains low, according to the agriculture department, but the detection has prompted renewed attention to Australia’s preparedness for highly pathogenic avian influenza. The immediate concern is whether the virus can spread beyond seabirds into commercial flocks or vulnerable wildlife populations.