Western Australia reports first H5 bird flu case in wild seabird near Esperance

Western Australia confirmed its first case of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza after testing a brown skua and a northern giant petrel found near Esperance. The diagnosis was made by CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness and announced on 20 June.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said there was no evidence of mass mortalities or infection in poultry, noting the nearest commercial chicken farm is about 300 km away. An independent risk assessment commissioned by the government’s HPAI Preparedness Taskforce and conducted by Austvet for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry found the risk to beef cattle, sheep and goats to be negligible.

Local veterinarians, including Scott Jackson and David Swan of Swans Veterinary Services, played a key role in the rapid response. Within hours of confirmation, Jackson posted alerts to the Livestock Health Alert WhatsApp group run by the producer organization ASHEEP & BEEF, which was supported by state veterinary officials. The swift, community‑driven communication was highlighted as a model for biosecurity, while producers were advised that livestock operations can continue as normal.