Australia has confirmed its first mass mortality event linked to the H5N1 bird flu virus, marking a significant development in the country’s ongoing battle against avian influenza. Authorities say around 50 greater crested terns were found dead near Cape Jaffa in South Australia, while dozens of other birds showed signs of illness. Laboratory tests confirmed H5N1 infection in the affected birds.
The outbreak was detected during aerial wildlife surveillance, with officials confirming 49 dead birds and 35 sick birds tested positive for the virus. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins warned that Australians should expect the virus to spread further among wild bird populations, leading to more wildlife losses in the coming months.
Despite the growing number of infections in wildlife, authorities stressed that there is currently no evidence of H5N1 spreading to commercial poultry farms. Since the virus was first detected in Australia in June, poultry producers have strengthened biosecurity measures to protect flocks from infection.
According to government data, Australia has now recorded 74 confirmed H5N1 cases in wildlife, with most cases reported in South Australia, although infections have also been detected in several other states. Officials say the virus is now circulating in the natural environment, making it difficult to prevent further outbreaks among wild birds.
Globally, H5N1 has caused widespread deaths among wild birds and poultry and has occasionally infected mammals. While human infections have been reported in some countries, they remain rare and are typically linked to close contact with infected animals. Health authorities continue to consider the risk to the general public to be low, but they advise people to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to report unusual wildlife deaths to local authorities.
