Australia ramps up bird flu surveillance, testing after first mainland cases reported

SYDNEY — Australian authorities have intensified surveillance and testing efforts after two cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu were confirmed in migratory seabirds, with local media reporting that additional dead specimens have been discovered on remote beaches.

Testing is currently underway in South Australia following the discovery of two dead sub-Antarctic seabirds and a pelican on Monday near Fowlers Bay, located more than 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) east of Esperance in Western Australia, where the initial two confirmed cases were detected, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

South Australia Primary Industries Minister Claire Scriven said it may take several days before laboratory results from the latest bird samples are available.

“In terms of the turnaround times, it sort of depends on the outcomes… we hope this doesn’t reach South Australia, but we know, of course, that it may,” Scriven said in remarks to ABC Radio.

A spokesperson for the South Australia Primary Industries Department said there are currently no confirmed bird flu cases in the state. However, authorities are investigating all reports of sick or dead birds and will notify the public immediately if any positive cases are confirmed.

In addition, ground surveillance and drone monitoring have been deployed at sea lion breeding sites along South Australia’s west and far west coasts. Testing has also been increased in high-risk areas as part of expanded biosecurity measures.

In Western Australia, two additional birds are being tested far from the original detection sites. Authorities emphasized that there is still no evidence of widespread transmission, according to ABC reporting. Over the past three days, 11 samples have been submitted for testing in Western Australia following 94 reports of dead or unwell birds.

Australia had previously been the only continent without a confirmed mainland case of H5N1, although the virus was detected in late 2025 on the sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island.

While human infections remain rare, the global spread of avian influenza has severely impacted poultry populations, disrupting supply chains and contributing to price fluctuations in poultry meat and eggs in several countries.

In response, Australia has strengthened farm biosecurity protocols, increased testing of shorebirds, expanded vaccination efforts for vulnerable species, and conducted preparedness simulations to improve outbreak response capabilities. -Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus/Reuters