19.06.2026 13:20
A brown skua that died on the Australian mainland tested positive for bird flu. The case may be the first H5N1 case recorded on the mainland. While authorities await results, a national response will be initiated if the virus is confirmed.
A migratory seabird found dead on the Australian mainland has tested positive for bird flu. The case may be the first H5N1 bird flu case on the mainland.
DETECTED IN A MIGRATORY SEABIRD
A brown skua, a migratory seabird found dead in Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia, tested positive for bird flu. While further analyses are underway to confirm the virus type, it is stated that the case may be the first H5N1 bird flu on the mainland. Authorities reported that results expected tomorrow will indicate whether the dead bird actually carried the H5N1 virus.
"COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT HARM TO NATIVE WILDLIFE"
Western Australian Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis stated, "We are treating the suspected bird flu case seriously. If the virus is confirmed to have entered the country, a rapid and coordinated national response will be initiated," and also mentioned that another bird found sick in the same area is being tested for bird flu.
Associate Professor Wayne Boardman, a wildlife veterinarian at the University of Adelaide, warned that the virus could cause significant harm to Australia's native wildlife.
AUSTRALIA IS THE ONLY CONTINENT WITHOUT THE DEADLY H5N1 STRAIN
The deadly H5N1 virus, which has spread among wild birds since 2021, has caused the deaths of millions of animals. Australia is known as the only continent where the deadly H5N1 strain has not been detected. The H5N1 virus had only been detected on Australia's Heard Island at the end of 2025. Australia has increased biosecurity measures on farms against the H5N1 virus, conducted bird search programs, vaccinated at-risk species, and prepared emergency scenarios.