Avian Influenza (H5 Bird Flu) Update: What Our Community Needs to Know
At the time of publication of this article was written (22 July 2026), the Australian Government (DAFF) reported that Australia had seventeen cases of H5 bird flu in wild birds confirmed by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP); ten of which have been found in Western Australia
At this stage, the situation remains well contained. H5 bird flu has only been found in wild migratory seabirds, along with one case in a wild Australian seabird that does not migrate. Importantly, there have been no detections in poultry, no reports of mass wildlife deaths, and no evidence that the disease has spread to other animals. A national coordinated response to monitor the situation has been established.
There are also currently no trade impact on Australian poultry or poultry products.
With plenty of media attention on bird flu, it's easy to come across conflicting information. The best approach is to rely on trusted sources and official updates rather than speculation on social media.
For the latest information, visit birdflu.gov.au.
In the meantime, good biosecurity remains Australia’s best defence. If you notice anything unusual:
Avoid contact with sick or dead birds where possible.
Record what you've seen, including the location and any signs of illness.
Report concerns to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Staying alert and reporting anything unusual helps protect our wildlife, agricultural industries and communities.
For more resources on avian influenza, go the following:
WHA HPAI Risk Mitigation Toolboxes
Published eNews #416, July 2026