What you need to know about the deadly H5 bird flu strain after suspected case in Australia
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A deadly strain of bird flu is believed to have reached Australia after killing millions of birds, seals and other mammals around the world.
The H5 avian influenza originated in Asia but has since spread across Europe, North America, South America and the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands.
A suspected case of the H5N1 strain of bird flu has been detected in WA. AP
A suspected H5N1 case has now been detected in Western Australia, which – if confirmed – would mark the first-ever contamination of this strain in mainland Australia.
Australia is the last continent in the world to have a H5 case confirmed.
The suspected case is a single migratory wild bird, which was found sick in a remote part of south-west Western Australia, federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said on Friday.
“The initial testing at the Western Australian laboratory has returned a suspected positive result for avian influenza,” Collins said.
“We cannot confirm yet whether it is the strain of concern that is circulating, at this stage, known as the H5 bird flu.
“There is no evidence of mass mortality at this time, nor is there any evidence of any infection in poultry.”
The samples will be tested at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness and the results are expected on Saturday.
H5 has devastated populations of seabirds around the world. Getty Images
What is H5 bird flu?
The H5 bird flu is a viral disease that mostly affects wild birds but can also infect other mammals.
On rare occasions, the bird flu can affect humans. This only happens if a person has close, unprotected contact with infected birds or livestock.
There has been no confirmed human-to-human transmission of H5 bird flu.
H5N1 is a strain of avian influenza that is highly contagious and highly pathogenic in animals, which means it is likely to cause severe disease or death.
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This strain has been spreading globally since 2021.
The birds most affected have been seabirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, birds of prey and other scavengers.
According to the Department of Agriculture, it has been detected in domestic pets such as cats and dogs, farm animals including dairy cows, dolphins, seals and wild foxes.
H5 bird flu symptoms in animals
Wildlife Health Australia states that the symptoms of H5 bird flu in wildlife can vary widely.
Some infected animals may appear weak or unresponsive and display symptoms such as seizures, incoordination or breathing difficulties.
Wild birds with bird flu may be unable to fly and could have a puffed-up appearance.
It is also known to cause sudden death in birds before signs of ill health even show.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said the first suspected case of H5N1 bird flu has been detected in a migratory bird in WA. Alex Ellinghausen
Is H5 bird flu in Australia?
The federal government is awaiting testing after a suspected positive result for avian influenza.
Further testing is underway to identify if it is a H5 or H5N1 strain.
A second bird showing symptoms in the same area is being tested.
Australia has successfully eradicated H7 bird flu strains, but we have never had H5 bird flu.
Bird flu has killed thousands of southern elephant seals on Heard Island, a remote island belonging to Australia.
“We certainly expected we couldn’t remain (H5N1)-free forever as the only continent free of the H5 bird flu,” Collins told reporters.
Invasive Species Council Policy Director Dr Carol Booth said confirmed detection would be the “realisation of our worst dreams”.
“The recently reported mass deaths of elephant seals on Heard Island were a harbinger of the potential catastrophe for Australian wildlife if the virus has made it to mainland Australia,” Booth said.
“If H5N1 is confirmed, the government’s own risk assessment predicts potentially catastrophic impacts on native birds, while the virus’s increasing ability to infect mammals raises the prospect of severe impacts on marine mammals and other wildlife.”
The H5 bird flu could arrive in Australia through the migration of infected birds overseas.
The spring migration of wild shorebirds from the northern hemisphere is thought to be the most likely way the strain could arrive here.
Workers dispose of dead cranes at the Hula Lake conservation area in northern Israel. AP
Is Australia prepared to fight H5 bird flu?
The Australian government has invested more than $113 million to prepare for a potential H5 contamination scenario.
The funding was included in the 2026 federal budget and aims to “bolster preparedness activities”, including biosecurity measures, invasive species control and habitat improvement.
A bird flu panzootic in Australia could pose a catastrophic risk to native birds that have never been exposed to the virus.
The local dairy industry has also prepared for the possibility that an H5 bird flu incursion could reach dairy cows.
Should pet owners be concerned?
While bird flu infections in dogs and cats are rare, pet owners can take steps to ensure their pets are protected.
The Australian government recommends pet owners keep their animals on a leash in wildlife areas and to avoid leaving pet food or water near where wild birds or other animals can access it.
Cat owners are also urged to keep their felines indoors.
Cats are natural hunters and can bring disease and infection to your doorstep by catching and killing birds.
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