Avian influenza (H5 bird flu)

Yes. H5 bird flu has been detected in South Australia. 

On 24 June 2026, South Australia recorded its first confirmed case of H5 bird flu in a migratory seabird – a giant petrel – at Knights Beach on Fleurieu Peninsula.

The bird was found alongside another giant petrel, which tested negative.

Giant petrels are a migratory seabird that breeds in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands between October and March. During the southern winter, these birds migrate north and can travel significant distances, including to waters off South Australia.

This is currently being treated as an isolated incident, and there are no detections in poultry anywhere in Australia at this time.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a virus that primarily affects birds (wild, farmed or pets) and some mammals. There are different strains of the virus.  

H5 bird flu is a highly contagious type of this virus that has spread rapidly worldwide. It can infect bird and mammal species, including humans, livestock and wildlife. This also includes marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and dolphins.

H5 bird flu is commonly spread by the movement of infected wild birds, particularly along migratory routes.

H5 bird flu can also spread through other wild animals, poultry and humans.

The South Australian Government is responding quickly to H5 bird flu and has activated preparedness and response arrangements developed, tested and refined over recent years. 

Following the first detection of this strain in Western Australia, the government reviewed South Australia’s preparedness and response arrangements through a special meeting of the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee.

The government has also brought together industry representatives, producers and relevant agencies through an H5 bird flu industry round table to share information, address concerns and continue strengthening preparedness.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is leading South Australia’s preparedness and response to H5 bird flu, working with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), SA Health, the Australian Government, industry and other partner organisations. 

The response brings together animal, human and environmental health considerations through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

No. The current risk to people in Australia is low.

Bird flu in people is rare and usually requires close contact with infected birds, animals or contaminated environments. Infections are often mild but can cause severe disease or death. Spread from person-to-person is very rare.

Staying away from sick or dead birds is the best way to protect yourself.

For the latest national human health advice, visit: Bird flu (avian influenza) | Australian Centre for Disease Control

For the latest human health advice and recommendations in South Australia, visit: Avian influenza in humans | SA Health

Yes. Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs when they are handled and cooked correctly.

H5 bird flu can be confused with many other diseases that have similar clinical signs or symptoms. The infection can vary in severity, including:

• sudden death in several birds in a short space of time
• respiratory distress, including open mouth breathing, coughing, sneezing
• neurological signs, including twisted neck, inability to stay upright, inability to fly, uncoordinated movement, walking or swimming in circles, partial or full paralysis
• wwollen head
• reluctance to move, eat or drink
• reduced egg production
• misshapen eggs
• diarrhoea
• droopy appearance

Infected wild mammals may show numerous signs and symptoms, including:

• incoordination and tremors
• seizures
• difficulty breathing
• nasal discharge or drooling
• death, including the potential for mass mortality events.

Yes. Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife. National advice also recommends keeping dogs on leads in wildlife areas and preventing cats from roaming.

You can help by:

• avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife
• washing your hands and cleaning utensils after handling animals, eggs or raw meat
• cleaning footwear, clothing and vehicles after visiting national parks, reserves or farms
• keeping domestic birds away from wild birds where possible.

The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is leading the current on-ground response. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is coordinating nationally. Enhanced surveillance is underway to understand the extent of infection in wildlife.