Australia confirms first mass bird flu mortality in wildlife
Australia has confirmed the country’s first mass mortality of native seabirds from the deadly strain of avian influenza, H5N1. On Aug. 1, authorities confirmed the positive cases among 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns (Thalasseus bergii) at Baudin Rocks, an island roughly 5 kilometers (3 miles) off South Australia’s southeast coast near Cape […]
Australia has confirmed its first mass bird flu mortality event in native seabirds, specifically greater crested terns, due to the highly lethal H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The first detections of the virus occurred in late June when two migratory seabirds, a brown skua and a northern giant petrel, were found dead on Australian shores.
As of August 3, 2026, there have been 78 confirmed cases of the H5 strain in seabirds across five states, with the majority occurring in South Australia (58 cases) and Western Australia (10 cases). Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated that the mass mortality of the greater crested terns is expected as the virus spreads in the environment, leading to significant losses.
South Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean described the event as "unusual and significant."
Brief written by urgent.news from Mongabay's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
