Perth: Australia has reported its first suspected case of avian influenza in poultry. Australian officials revealed on Friday that suspected cases of H5N1 avian influenza have been found on the mainland for the first time in a remote area of the southwest of the country.
According to Thai News Agency, Western Australian Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis disclosed that a migratory seabird, the Brown Skua, found in Cape Le Grand National Park, has tested positive for avian influenza. Further analysis is being conducted to confirm the specific strain. The Minister indicated that authorities are taking this suspected case very seriously and, if confirmed to be the H5 strain, a rapid and systematic national response will be initiated.
This highly virulent H5 strain of avian influenza has been circulating among wild birds and mammals since 2021, leading to the deaths of millions of wild animals. It has also spread to poultry and dairy farms, with some farm workers having been infected. Notably, Australia is the last continent in the world yet to confirm a case of this deadly strain on the mainland, following the detection of the H5 virus on Heard Island, an Australian territory in sub-Antarctica, in late 2025.
Environment Minister Murray Watt remarked that while the news is a concerning trend if confirmed, Australia has been preparing for this possibility over recent years. Measures include enhancing biosecurity on farms, testing coastal birds, vaccinating at-risk animals, and conducting drills to simulate scenarios. Tissue analysis of the deceased brown skua is anticipated to be completed on Saturday. Additionally, sick giant petrels have been detected in the same area, with testing underway for them as well.
Wayne Boardman, a wildlife veterinarian and associate professor at the University of Adelaide, expressed concern that this virus could cause significant damage to Australia's native wildlife, as this strain has previously led to mass deaths of birds and marine mammals. If confirmed to be the H5N1 strain, it would pose a substantial threat to endangered coastal birds and raptors, as well as the already vulnerable Australian sea lion population.