H5 Bird Flu Update
July 2026 H5 bird flu detection
As of 9.00 am AEST, 26 July 2026, Australia has 18 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds.
- 10 in Western Australia (WA)
- 5 in South Australia (SA)
- 2 in New South Wales (NSW)
- 1 in Queensland (QLD).
This is the serious H5 bird flu strain that has been circulating globally.
There have been no detections in poultry or the wider agriculture industry. There is no evidence of any large scale deaths.
The Consultative Committee for Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD) has reviewed its previous advice and continues to support heightened biosecurity measures in poultry for up to a further two weeks while risk-based guidance is finalised. This includes options for states and territories to utilise non-mandatory measures, including voluntary housing of free-range poultry where practical and consistent with animal welfare requirements.
State and territory governments are responsible for surveillance and response activities on the ground. They are actively working with industry to provide guidance on implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures, as appropriate. Find out more about bird flu in your state or territory.
National coordination is being led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The risk to human health remains low.
Australia is well prepared to respond quickly.
If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For more information on risks click here
