Australia's long-held status as the only continent free from the highly pathogenic H5 bird flu strain has come to an end, with authorities confirming the first mainland detection of H5 avian influenza in wild birds. The discovery has prompted a national biosecurity response and renewed concerns about the potential impact on poultry farms, wildlife and agriculture across regions such as the Hawkesbury.
The virus was detected in a brown skua found near Cape Le Grand in Western Australia, with a second seabird also under investigation. Federal and state authorities have moved quickly to increase surveillance and activate response plans amid concerns the disease may spread through wild bird populations.
While no cases have been detected in Hawkesbury and there is currently no evidence the virus has entered local poultry operations, the region's significant poultry industry and extensive wetlands mean the issue is being watched closely.
Why Hawkesbury is on alert
The Hawkesbury is home to one of New South Wales' largest concentrations of poultry production, including broiler farms, egg producers and breeding operations.
The district also sits within an important corridor for waterbirds and migratory species that frequent the Hawkesbury River, wetlands, farm dams and floodplain environments.
Experts believe wild birds are the most likely pathway through which highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads between regions and countries. Overseas, H5N1 has caused mass mortality events among wild birds and has spread into a range of mammal species.
For local producers, the arrival of H5 bird flu on the Australian mainland is therefore more than a distant wildlife story.
It represents a biosecurity challenge that could potentially affect poultry movements, farm operations and agricultural businesses if outbreaks were ever detected in commercial flocks.
Hawkesbury Has Already Experienced Bird Flu
Many residents may not realise the Hawkesbury has previously been at the centre of an avian influenza outbreak.
In 2024, highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza was detected in two commercial poultry properties and four backyard flocks in the Hawkesbury. The outbreak also spread to a linked commercial egg farm in the ACT. Extensive containment measures were implemented and the outbreak was successfully eradicated.
A separate H7N8 outbreak was also detected in Victoria during 2025 before being eradicated.
Those outbreaks involved different strains from the H5 virus now attracting international concern.
The newly detected H5 strain is the same family of virus that has spread across Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Antarctica, causing the deaths of millions of birds and significant losses among marine mammals.
What Is the Risk to Humans?
Health authorities continue to describe the risk to the general public as low.
Human infections are rare and generally occur following close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Australians are being advised not to touch sick or dead birds and to report unusual wildlife deaths to the relevant authorities.
There is currently no evidence that properly handled chicken meat or eggs present a food safety risk.
Potential Impact on Wildlife
Conservation groups have described the arrival of H5 bird flu as a potential wildlife emergency.
The virus has already caused devastating impacts overseas, affecting seabirds, waterbirds, penguins, seals and other wildlife populations.
Australian scientists are particularly concerned about vulnerable native species and the potential for outbreaks among wild bird colonies.
The Hawkesbury's river systems, lagoons, wetlands and bushland support large numbers of native birds, making surveillance and early detection particularly important.
What Should Residents Do?
Authorities are asking residents to:
- Avoid handling sick or dead birds.
- Keep domestic poultry separated from wild birds where possible.
- Report unusual bird deaths.
- Follow biosecurity advice if they keep backyard poultry.
- Practise good hygiene after contact with birds or bird environments.
The detection of H5 bird flu does not mean an outbreak in Hawkesbury is imminent.
However, the region's unique combination of intensive poultry production, backyard flocks, river environments and abundant birdlife means it is likely to be among the areas closely monitored by biosecurity authorities.
For now, the virus remains confined to a small number of detections in Western Australia, but after years of preparing for its arrival, Australian authorities are now confronting a threat many experts believed was inevitable.
Whether it remains a limited wildlife incident or develops into a broader biosecurity challenge may depend on how effectively the virus can be detected and contained in the months ahead.
Authorities are particularly interested in:
- Multiple dead birds in one location.
- Unexplained deaths of waterbirds, ducks, swans, geese, pelicans, cormorants or seabirds.
- Birds showing neurological symptoms, inability to fly, or severe respiratory distress.
Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888 (24 hours)
This is the primary reporting number for suspected avian influenza and other emergency animal diseases.
