Australia Records 572 H5 Bird-Flu Wildlife Events as Virus Expands Across Species

Canberra, September 17, 2026: Australia has recorded 572 confirmed H5 bird-flu events in wildlife, according to the latest national update reported by the Australian Veterinary Association from DAFF data.

South Australia accounts for 301 events, followed by Victoria with 180, New South Wales with 40, Tasmania with 38, Western Australia with 10 and Queensland with two.

The virus has also been detected in Commonwealth territory for the first time, involving a greater crested tern in Booderee National Park. Genetic testing indicates local transmission among Australian terns, while new wildlife species continue to be affected, including Australia’s first reported detection in an Australian pelican.

Mass-mortality events have also been reported among seabirds and penguins.

Industry significance

The expanding wildlife footprint increases the importance of wild-bird surveillance and farm biosecurity, particularly for commercial poultry operations located along migratory or coastal bird pathways. The emergence of infections across additional species also provides an important indicator of viral ecology and transmission dynamics.