Australia confirms second H5N1 bird flu case in Western Australia
Authorities move to prevent spillover into poultry and agriculture systems.
AUSTRALIA – Australia has confirmed a second case of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu in Western Australia, just days after the country recorded its first mainland infection, according to government officials.
The latest case involves a northern giant petrel found sick on a remote beach near Esperance, about 570 km southeast of Perth, following a positive test result announced by Agriculture Minister Julie Collins.
A brown skua tested positive in the same region over the weekend, marking the first confirmed mainland detection of the virus.
Biosecurity measures intensified as concerns grow
Authorities said they are working closely with the poultry and meat industries to strengthen biosecurity systems and reduce the risk of the virus entering production farms.
Officials noted that while human infections remain rare, global outbreaks of avian influenza have caused major disruptions in poultry supply chains, including large-scale culling and price increases.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government is taking all possible steps to limit the spread, although he acknowledged that long-term containment remains uncertain.
No impact yet on poultry sector
The government confirmed there is currently no evidence that the virus has reached commercial poultry or broader agricultural systems in Australia.
Biosecurity measures have been tightened nationwide, including expanded surveillance of wild birds, testing programs in coastal areas, and preparedness drills for potential outbreaks in livestock systems.
Australia had previously been the only continent without a confirmed mainland H5N1 case, although the virus was detected in late 2025 on the sub-Antarctic Heard Island.
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