Australia confirmed its first mainland
case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1
¨
Australia confirmed its
first mainland case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 on 20 June
2026.
¨
The infected bird was a
brown skua, found dead in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance.
¨
The virus was identified
by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
¨
Testing confirmed the
virus belonged to the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b lineage.
¨
A second migratory bird,
a northern giant petrel, found sick on 18 June 2026, also tested positive for
H5N1.
¨
The brown skua was first
discovered on 14 June 2026.
¨
H5N1 is a subtype of
Influenza A virus that mainly affects birds but can also infect some mammals.
¨
Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza (HPAI) is a severe and highly contagious form of bird flu.
¨
Before this, Australia
had detected H5N1 only on Heard Island in late 2025, making this the first
detection on the Australian mainland.
¨
Following the detection,
Australia strengthened biosecurity measures across the country.
¨
Authorities increased
surveillance and testing of shorebirds.
¨
Vaccination programs were
initiated for vulnerable bird species.
¨ Emergency response exercises were conducted to prepare for potential outbreaks.
¨ As of 22 June 2026, there was no evidence of mass wildlife deaths or spread to poultry or agricultural systems.
