New South Wales has reported its first suspected case of the deadly H5 bird flu, detected in a giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle.
If testing by the CSIRO confirms the infection, it would mark the first detection of H5 bird flu on Australia’s east coast. Five cases have been confirmed since late June – four in Western Australia and one in South Australia.
All have involved migratory seabirds that spend most of their lives in the sub-Antarctic region.
Speaking at a press conference, NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the wild bird had been reported by a member of the public after it appeared unwell. She said the virus had not been detected in any poultry flocks, captive birds or other wild birds in NSW.
“This latest development is incredibly concerning for both agriculture and for wildlife,” she said.
“The impact of H5 worldwide on wild birds and poultry has been devastating. But NSW and the rest of the country have been preparing for this moment for many years.”
She urged anyone who spotted a sick or dead bird to report it and its location to the emergency hotline.
“There are no other birds that have been found to be positive for H5 at the moment, but we are now increasing our surveillance.”
What is H5N1 bird flu?
Bird flu, or avian influenza, refers to a group of influenza viruses that primarily affect birds.
H5N1 is classified as highly pathogenic, meaning it can cause severe illness and death in birds. Since 2020, the strain has spread around the world through the movement of migratory birds, killing millions of birds and infecting a growing number of mammals.
It is different from the H7 strains that affected poultry farms in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT during 2024 and 2025. Those outbreaks led to the culling of around 1.8 million birds and temporarily disrupted egg supplies.
Which Australian animals could be affected?
Birds are most vulnerable to avian influenza, but H5N1 has also infected mammals overseas, including seals, cattle, foxes, cats and dogs.
Australian wildlife authorities have identified more than 100 native species and important habitats that could be particularly vulnerable if the virus spreads.
Species of concern include seabirds, penguins, waterbirds and birds of prey, as well as mammals that may eat infected animals or come into contact with contaminated environments.
Threatened Species Commissioner Fiona Fraser said vulnerable animals ranged “from mammals such as the Tasmanian devil” to critically endangered birds including the orange-bellied parrot.
Experts are particularly concerned about the virus reaching ducks, swans and other waterbirds. These animals often gather in large numbers and can spread the virus easily in shared waterways.
What could it mean for eggs and chicken?
At this stage, Australia’s commercial chicken and egg farms remain free from H5N1 and production has not been affected.
However, one of Australia’s largest poultry producers Ingham’s has restricted non-essential access across its Western Australian farms and processing facilities as a precaution.
Australian Eggs managing director Rowan McMonnies acknowledged that losses were possible if the virus reached major egg-producing regions but said the industry had prepared for the threat, ABC reported.
“We’ve got preparations in place to limit the scale of any losses,” he said, adding that producers were focused on maintaining high biosecurity standards.
There is currently no need to avoid eggs or chicken. Bird flu is not considered a food safety risk when poultry and eggs are stored, handled and cooked properly.
As always, wash your hands and utensils after handling raw poultry, avoid cross-contamination and cook chicken thoroughly.
What is the risk to people?
The current risk to the Australian public is low.
Bird flu rarely infects people. Cases reported overseas have generally involved close or prolonged contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, and there is no evidence that the current strain spreads easily from person to person.
People should not touch sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife. Keep children and pets away, record the location and report the animal to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
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