Australia’s first H5 bird flu mass mortality confirmed, spread expected

No detections in Australian poultry or agricultural production as of 3 August; human health risk remains low. The risk to the egg and chicken supply chain is real but not yet materialised. Coastal beachgoers near affected areas should not handle sick or dead seabirds.

In a nutshell: Australia has 78 confirmed H5 bird flu detections in wild seabirds as of 3 August. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed the country’s first mass mortality event: 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns found off Cape Jaffa, South Australia. The virus has spread from WA to SA, Victoria, NSW and Queensland since first detection in June. New national biosecurity frameworks commenced 31 July. Authorities say more cases are expected.