# Australia bird flu spreads to mainland and seals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/avian-flu-decimates-seal-pups-in-subantarctic > Updated: 2026-08-04T15:58:34.000Z. Sources: 223. Developments: 31. Since the first mainland detections in mid‑2026, H5N1 has continued to spread across Australian states and into nearby New Zealand. New South Wales reported its first case on 3 July, bringing the national tally to six confirmed infections in three states. By 7 July officials confirmed eight wild‑bird cases and four suspected infections in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales, while urging free‑range poultry producers to house flocks indoors and expanding surveillance hotlines. On 10 July a greater crested tern, a native seabird, tested positive in South Australia, raising the count to 12 and signalling possible local transmission. Wildlife authorities responded by tightening biosecurity at zoos and rescue centres, closing aviaries, adding barriers and PPE, and increasing monitoring of seals and other mammals. New Zealand recorded its first wild‑bird H5N1 case on 15 July (a brown skua) and a second case in a swamp‑harrier on 17 July. Both governments activated response plans, launched vaccination programmes for threatened native species and maintained low‑risk assessments for humans and poultry. Queensland confirmed its first wild‑seabird infection on 24 July, raising Australia’s total to 18 confirmed cases across four states. The outbreak escalated on 2‑4 August with a mass‑mortality event at Baudin Rocks, where nearly 50 greater crested terns were found dead and dozens sick, bringing the national count to 74. The federal government added AU$24 million to the response budget and wildlife groups called for a $200 million resilience package. Risk to human health remains low, but officials warn of growing threats to native fauna, marine mammals and the poultry sector if spread continues. ## Claims - Australia experienced its first confirmed mass mortality event among wild seabirds due to H5N1, with about 50 greater crested terns dead. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Testing confirmed H5N1 in 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns at Cape Jaffa, South Australia. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Australia has recorded 74 confirmed H5N1 cases across Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. (corroborated by 7 sources) - No H5N1 infections have been detected on Australian poultry farms. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The risk to human health from the detected H5N1 cases remains low. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Seven new suspected H5N1 cases were found in greater crested terns on South Australia's Limestone Coast. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Australia has confirmed local transmission of H5N1 avian influenza among wild birds. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Australia has confirmed 53 detections of H5N1 bird flu. (corroborated by 6 sources) - All detections are in wild seabirds found in coastal locations. (corroborated by 6 sources) - No detections have been found in poultry or the agricultural production system. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The risk to human health from the H5N1 virus remains low. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Risk to human health from the H5N1 outbreak in Australia is assessed as low. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-04: Australia's wildlife faces mass deaths as H5N1 bird flu spreads Australia reports its first mass wildlife deaths from H5N1, with 49 greater crested terns dead and over 100 seabirds infected. Nearly 400 native species are high‑risk, prompting $113 M in funding and calls for 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-reports-first-mass-bird-deaths-from-h5n1-avian-flu-in-greater-crested-terns ### 2026-08-02: Australia confirms first mass bird‑flu mortality among seabirds Australia reports its first mass bird‑flu death, ~50 greater crested terns dead at Cape Jaffa, 74 cases nationwide, no farm infections, low human risk, AU$24 m extra funding. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-australia-records-first-mass-birdflu-deaths-among-greater-crested-terns ### 2026-07-31: Australia records 53 H5N1 bird flu cases as outbreak spreads Australia reports 53 H5N1 bird‑flu cases in wild seabirds, no poultry infections, low human risk, and warns of possible mass wildlife deaths; ministers pledge protection, while a Victoria political scandal also 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-confirms-over-50-h5n1-bird-flu-cases-in-wild-birds ### 2026-07-29: Australia confirms local spread of H5N1 bird flu in wild birds Australia confirms local spread of H5N1 bird flu in wild birds, with 27 confirmed cases, new suspected cases in South Australia and tourism restrictions on Kangaroo Island; human risk low and poultry unaffected 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-confirms-local-transmission-of-h5-bird-flu-in-wild-birds ### 2026-07-27: South Australia reports new bird flu cases and sea lion threat Seven new suspected H5N1 cases in South Australian terns bring Australia’s total to 27, with officials saying local wildlife transmission is extremely likely and urging a $200 million fund to protect endangered 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-australia-reports-seven-new-suspected-h5n1-bird-flu-cases-in-seabirds ### 2026-07-24: Queensland confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in wild seabird Queensland confirmed its first H5N1 bird flu case in a dead seabird on Moreton Island, the fourth Australian state with infections; no poultry cases and low human risk. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/queensland-confirms-first-h5n1-bird-flu-case-in-wild-seabird-on-moreton-island ### 2026-07-19: New Zealand reports no new H5N1 bird flu cases after first wild‑bird detection New Zealand's MPI found no new H5N1 bird flu cases after the first wild‑bird detection, continuing surveillance and urging public reporting to protect wildlife and poultry. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-reports-no-new-h5n1-bird-flu-cases-after-first-wildbird-detection ### 2026-07-17: New Zealand Confirms Second Wild Bird H5 Bird Flu Case New Zealand confirmed a second H5 bird‑flu case in a wild swamp harrier near Carterton, stepping up surveillance and vaccination while noting no poultry cases and low human risk. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-confirms-second-wild-bird-h5-bird-flu-case ### 2026-07-17: NZ Department of Conservation launches online cat‑trap permits, raises bird flu alert NZ's Department of Conservation will roll out online feral‑cat trap permits within a year and has raised its alert level after a second H5 bird‑flu case, expanding surveillance and vaccination of threatened av‑ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nz-department-of-conservation-launches-online-cattrap-permits-raises-bird-flu-alert ### 2026-07-15: New Zealand Detects First H5N1 Bird Flu Case in Wild Seabird New Zealand reported its first H5N1 bird flu case in a brown skua on Petone Beach, with no wildlife or poultry deaths yet; a second case followed, prompting surveillance, public reporting guidance, and a vacc‑​ 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-confirms-first-h5n1-bird-flu-case-in-wild-seabird ### 2026-07-12: Australian zoos and wildlife rescues ramp up biosecurity as bird flu spreads Australia's confirmed H5 bird flu has forced zoos to close aviaries and add barriers, while a rescued giant petrel on Noosa beach is being tested, with few cases reported and low human risk. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-zoos-and-wildlife-rescues-ramp-up-biosecurity-as-bird-flu-spreads ### 2026-07-10: Australia confirms first native seabird H5N1 bird flu case Australia confirmed H5N1 in a native greater crested tern, raising the total to 12 cases. No mass deaths or poultry spread yet; authorities are increasing surveillance. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/h5n1-bird-flu-confirmed-in-wild-birds-in-canada-and-australia ### 2026-07-07: Australia reports new H5N1 bird flu cases, sparking wildlife and poultry alerts Australia has confirmed eight H5N1 bird flu cases in wild seabirds, with four more suspected, prompting wildlife warnings, indoor‑housing advice for free‑range chickens and heightened biosecurity for its $5 bn 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-reports-seventh-h5n1-wild-bird-case-urging-indoor-housing-for-freerange-chickens ### 2026-07-03: New South Wales Confirms First H5N1 Bird Flu Case in Australia New South Wales confirmed its first H5N1 bird flu case in a migratory petrel, becoming the third Australian state with a confirmed infection; no spread to poultry or local wildlife has been found. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/western-australia-bird-flu-cases-prompt-poultry-lockdowns-and-regional-preparedness-concerns ### 2026-06-29: Australia confronts H5N1 bird flu detections and issues pet safety warnings Australia reports four H5N1 bird flu cases in wild birds, issues pet safety alerts, and warns of potential economic damage to its $8 bn poultry industry. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-confronts-h5n1-bird-flu-detections-and-issues-pet-safety-warnings ### 2026-06-26: Australia confirms H5N1 bird flu in wild seabirds on mainland H5N1 bird flu is confirmed in wild seabirds in Western and South Australia, prompting biosecurity actions and a PNG poultry import ban, while poultry remains virus‑free. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-confirms-h5n1-bird-flu-in-wild-seabirds-on-mainland ### 2026-06-25: Western Australia H5N1 Bird Flu Surge Threatens Livestock and Humans Western Australia reports 47% H5N1 positivity in wild birds, raising fears of spread to livestock, farm workers and humans; experts urge PPE, poultry vaccination and wildlife monitoring. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/western-australia-h5n1-bird-flu-surge-threatens-livestock-and-humans ### 2026-06-24: Western Australia reports first H5 bird flu case in wild seabird near Esperance Western Australia detected its first H5 bird flu in wild seabirds near Esperance; government says risk to livestock is negligible and emphasizes fast, community‑led biosecurity alerts. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/western-australia-reports-first-h5-bird-flu-case-in-wild-seabird-near-esperance ### 2026-06-24: Australia ramps up H5N1 bird‑flu monitoring as cases appear in wild seabirds Australia has confirmed H5N1 bird‑flu in wild seabirds, prompting intensified surveillance, biosecurity steps for poultry, and warnings about risks to pets; New Zealand is on alert. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-prepares-for-h5n1-bird-flu-threat ### 2026-06-23: Australian Coast on Alert as Antarctic Storms Could Bring H5N1‑Infected Birds A Southern Ocean storm may drive H5N1‑infected seabirds from Antarctic sites such as Heard Island to Australia’s southwest coast, prompting biosecurity alerts and $113 million in federal preparation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-coast-on-alert-as-antarctic-storms-could-bring-h5n1infected-birds ### 2026-06-23: Australia detects H5N1 bird flu in wild birds, prompting PNG trade ban and heightened surveillance Australia’s first mainland H5N1 bird flu cases in wild birds trigger heightened surveillance and a PNG import ban on Australian poultry, while officials say poultry and public health remain unaffected. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-detects-h5n1-bird-flu-in-migratory-seabirds-prepares-response ### 2026-06-22: Australia and New Zealand mobilise against H5N1 avian influenza Australia confirmed H5N1 in a Western Australian seabird and activated national and Tasmanian biosecurity plans, while New Zealand prepared its own response, urging vigilance and reporting of sick birds. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-and-new-zealand-mobilise-against-h5n1-avian-influenza ### 2026-06-21: Western Australia H5N1 bird flu detection prompts alerts in Australia, New Zealand H5N1 bird flu was detected in wild seabirds in Western Australia, leading to lockdowns by Australian producers and prompting New Zealand’s poultry sector to heighten biosecurity, though no farm infections have‑ 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-and-us-take-steps-amid-rising-h5-bird-flu-threat ### 2026-06-21: Australia Confirms First H5N1 Bird Flu Cases in Wild Seabirds, Virus Reaches Every Continent Australia recorded its first H5N1 bird flu cases in wild seabirds—a brown skua and a giant petrel—in Western Australia, prompting heightened biosecurity and monitoring as the virus reaches every continent. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-reports-first-h5n1-bird-flu-case-and-second-suspected-case ### 2026-06-20: Australia confirms first H5N1 bird‑flu case in wild seabird Australia confirmed its first H5N1 case in a wild seabird near Esperance, with officials pledging enhanced bio‑security and noting no current threat to poultry or humans. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-confirms-first-h5n1-birdflu-case-in-wild-seabird ### 2026-06-20: Australia detects first H5N1 bird flu case, virus now on every continent Australia reports its first mainland H5N1 bird flu case, completing global spread; authorities say human risk is low, no poultry infections yet, while wildlife impacts are serious. 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-readies-biosecurity-after-bird-flu-detected-in-australia ### 2026-06-19: Australia detects first suspected mainland H5N1 bird flu case A dead migratory sea bird in Western Australia's Cape Le Grand National Park tested positive for H5N1, prompting a possible first mainland bird flu case and a coordinated health response. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-detects-first-suspected-mainland-h5n1-bird-flu-case ### 2026-06-19: Antarctic Bird Flu Kills Thousands of Seals and Penguins Bird flu (H5N1) has killed roughly 13,000 seal pups and hundreds of penguins on Antarctica’s Heard and McDonald Islands, with mortality up to 97%, after spreading from nearby islands, researchers say. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antarctic-bird-flu-kills-thousands-of-seals-and-penguins ### 2026-06-18: Australia confirms first mainland H5N1 bird flu case Australia confirmed its first mainland H5N1 bird flu case in a dead skua, triggering emergency bio‑security measures, while officials note no mass wildlife deaths yet. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-confirms-first-h5n1-bird-flu-case-on-mainland ### 2026-06-18: Bird flu kills 13,000 seal pups on Australia's Heard and McDonald Islands A H5N1 bird‑flu outbreak on Australia's Heard and McDonald Islands killed about 13,000 seal pups (≈76% of the cohort) and impacted penguin populations, according to drone‑based research. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bird-flu-kills-13000-seal-pups-on-australias-heard-and-mcdonald-islands ### 2026-06-17: Western Australia reports first suspected H5 bird flu case as seal die‑off hits sub‑Antarctic islands Australia’s first suspected H5 bird flu case was found in a Western Australian seabird, while the virus has killed ~13,000 seal pups on Heard and McDonald Islands, prompting biosecurity alerts and ongoing tests 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/avian-flu-kills-13000-seal-pups-on-australias-heard-island --- Cite as: Australia bird flu spreads to mainland and seals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/avian-flu-decimates-seal-pups-in-subantarctic