Deadly H5N1 strain reaches Australia, placing 100 native species at risk

Two birds carrying the H5N1 strain of bird flu reached southwest Western Australia last week, ending the continent's previous status as the only landmass free of the virus. The infected brown skua and giant petrel flew from a sub-Antarctic region where an outbreak had recently begun. Officials confirmed the cases on Friday and Monday.

Species at risk A list of 100 native species now faces elevated threat, including white-bellied sea eagles, powerful owls, wedge-tailed eagles, black swans, Australian sea lions, orange-bellied and swift parrots, and Tasmanian devils. These animals either consume carrion or lack prior exposure that would confer resistance.

Government response Agriculture Minister Julie Collins and Environment Minister Murray Watt stated on Monday that only the two confirmed cases exist and no mass wildlife deaths have been recorded. The Albanese government has allocated $113 million for rapid detection teams, carcass removal, and measures to keep farmed poultry separate from wild birds.

Industry action Inghams, Australia's largest chicken meat producer, restricted access to all its Western Australian farms on Monday even though the sites lie more than 700 kilometres from the detection area.

International context The same H5N1 strain has killed millions of birds worldwide and tens of thousands of marine mammals in South America since 2022. University of Queensland Professor Kirsty Short said the Antarctic location raises the risk of a wild outbreak in Australia to moderate or high, though containment prospects remain unknown.

Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson noted that past international outbreaks proved difficult to contain once established. Members of the public who observe multiple sick or dead birds or mammals are asked to record the location and call 1800 675 888 without touching the animals.