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Bird Flu Hits Australia: Native Seabird Infected
10 Jul
Summary
- Australia confirmed its first native seabird infection with H5N1.
- The infection was found in a greater crested tern in Robe, South Australia.
- This marks the 12th confirmed detection of H5N1 in Australia.
Australia has confirmed the first case of the H5N1 bird flu virus in a native seabird. This development signifies a new phase in the disease's spread within the country.
Laboratory tests confirmed the infection in a greater crested tern located in the coastal town of Robe, South Australia. This is the first recorded instance of H5N1 in an Australian native seabird, differing from previous cases involving migratory seabirds.
Authorities have now confirmed a total of 12 H5N1 detections across Australia. The Agriculture Minister described the situation as concerning but not unexpected. Importantly, there is currently no evidence indicating the virus has spread to the poultry or broader agricultural sector.
Scientists are actively investigating how the native seabird contracted the virus. Initial observations suggest the affected bird's coastal range overlaps with migratory seabirds that had previously tested positive for H5N1. Australia first confirmed a mainland case of H5N1 in June 2026, though the virus was detected earlier in late 2025 on Heard Island.
