Suspected H5 bird flu detected in Western Australia

Suspected detection in southern Western Australia

Western Australian and federal authorities are investigating a suspected H5 bird flu detection in a migratory wild bird found in an isolated area of southern Western Australia.

The bird was found unwell at Cape Le Grand beach on June 14, according to WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis. Officials said it was isolated, sampled and later died.

A laboratory in Western Australia returned a suspected positive result for avian influenza, prompting confirmatory testing at the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong.

Confirmation still pending

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said it is not yet confirmed whether the detection is the H5 strain of concern. A second sick bird found nearby is also being tested.

Officials said there is no evidence of infection in poultry and no evidence of mass mortality at this stage.

The species of bird has not been publicly disclosed in the material available so far.

Why the case matters

If CSIRO confirms the result as H5 bird flu, officials say it would be the first detection of the deadly H5 strain on mainland Australia.

That possibility has put wildlife and biosecurity agencies on alert. Australia has been preparing for the arrival of H5 bird flu, which has spread widely overseas and affected wild birds, poultry and some mammals.

Recent reporting has also described major wildlife losses on Heard Island, including southern elephant seal pups and king penguins, adding to concern about the broader regional threat.

What happens next

Authorities are waiting for results on both the first bird and the second nearby bird. Any broader response will depend on whether the suspected result is confirmed and whether additional cases are found.

Officials are urging people not to touch sick or dead birds or animals and to report sightings through birdflu.gov.au or the emergency animal disease hotline.

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