21/06/2026
We have now had at least one confirmed H5N1 bird flu case on mainland Australia. Confirmed in a Petrel in Western Australia today. This comes after we only found out a few days ago that the disease has decimated Elephant Seal pups on Heard Island, with over 13,000 pups dead.
Rescuers and carers will be the frontline for this so you need to be aware of what to look for and what actions you should take.
1. If attending a sea bird watch for any neurological symptoms and unsteadiness when the birds are standing. A dropping of the head or inability to lift it, can also be a symptom. Any signs of illness at all.
2. If you come across more than 4 or 5 sick or dead birds in one location, assume H5N1 and report it!
3. The moment you suspect H5N1 YOU DO NOT TOUCH THE BIRDS! If they are dead YOU DO NOT TOUCH THE BODIES! This will be a hard one as we are rescuers and carers but it is vital that the authorities become involved ASAP and it is vital that you stay away to stop any spread of the disease. The bodies have to go through a special disposal.
4. The number to report a suspected case or cases is - Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Give as much detail as you can. Numbers effected and precise location.
5. Make sure you use F10 disinfectant on any crates that have had a suspect bird in it. DO NOT TAKE SUSPECT BIRDS HOME. Do not allow any pets to have contact with the cages or crates that are used until you can thoroughly disinfect them.
6. Euthanasia for affected birds is the ONLY course of action, I believe, at this stage and that must be left up to the authorities that you phone in to.
Keep in mind, this disease presents an enormous risk to not only our wildlife, but also to our agricultural industry, so we need to act accordingly.
You might be curious about what species this has effected so far globally. Here is a list.
Birds
• Poultry: Chickens, ducks, turkeys, and emus have been heavily impacted, leading to hundreds of millions of deaths and culls globally.
• Wild & Sea Birds: Mass mortalities have been seen in penguins, skuas, petrels, pelicans, terns, gannets, cormorants, and raptors.
Mammals
• Marine Mammals: Tens of thousands of seals, sea lions, dolphins, and porpoises have died in South America, the UK, and sub-Antarctic islands. Polar bears have also been affected.
• Livestock & Farm Animals: The virus has spread in U.S. dairy cattle, as well as sporadically affecting goats, alpacas, sheep, and pigs.
• Carnivores & Scavengers: Wild predators such as red foxes, skunks, and bears, alongside captive zoo animals (e.g., lions, tigers, and leopards), have been infected.
• Domestic Pets: Sporadic cases have been detected in domestic cats and dogs that interacted with infected wildlife.
Humans
• Overseas, sporadic human infections have occurred—mostly in people with close occupational exposure to infected poultry or dairy cattle.
Credited from Bundy Wildlife Rescue/Linda Karlsen
