The spread of H5 bird flu into foxes on Australia’s mainland has prompted calls for a major rethink on biosecurity, shifting the focus from rural agricultural zones to high-density urban environments, according to wildlife authorities. Following the initial detection in metropolitan Adelaide and a subsequent confirmed death in Torquay, south-west of Melbourne, experts warn that … Read more
H5 bird flu has been detected in a red fox on Victoria’s Surf Coast, marking the state’s first recorded mammalian case of the virus, according to Victorian authorities. Acting chief veterinary officer Cameron Gunn stated that the infected animal was discovered dead at Torquay through ongoing surveillance efforts, while officials also investigate the suspected death … Read more
At the 2026 National Bush Summit in Dubbo, Pauline Hanson faced off against Nationals Leader Matt Canavan, urging the conservative side of politics to unite to defeat Labor. The heated exchange occurred during a packed event that also featured a grilling of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and a sharp debate over agricultural land use led … Read more
Poultry breeders across Australia are bracing for a sharp spike in demand for backyard laying hens as anxiety grows over a potential H5 bird flu outbreak affecting supermarket egg supplies, according to industry participants and officials. While commercial poultry farms have reported no direct infections in their animals so far, the federal Agriculture Department has … Read more
The highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain has been detected in Tasmania, found in the carcass of a brown skua on the state’s north-west coast, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). Months of thorough preparation preceded this detection, which now prompts multiple safeguards like enhanced monitoring and a vaccination initiative, as … Read more
The Melbourne Royal Show has cancelled poultry competitions and exhibitions for 2026 in the wake of surging H5 bird flu cases around the country. Announced by Melbourne Royal Show executive general manager Hannah von Bibra, the precautionary measure aims to protect the Victorian poultry community while the virus spreads through wild populations. Melbourne Royal Show … Read more
Five vulnerable and endangered Australian seabird species face potential extinction if the H5 strain of bird flu reaches the continent, according to a federal government vulnerability review. Extreme Threat to Native Seabirds The federal government risk ranking places five native bird species at extreme risk of population collapse if infected by the H5 pathogen. According … Read more
South Australian authorities state it is very likely that the H5 strain of bird flu is spreading locally, marking what would represent the first known instances of local transmission within the state, according to Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven. Officials identified 11 additional suspected cases of H5 bird flu, with seven located in the state’s … Read more
Two native birds found dead on separate South Australian beaches have tested positive for the H5 strain of bird flu, marking the first time the virus has been confirmed on a metropolitan beach in the state, according to the CSIRO. The detections involve a greater crested tern found near Robe on the Limestone Coast and … Read more
New Zealand has confirmed its first cases of H5N1 bird flu in wild birds, following the detection of the virus in a brown skua near Wellington and a swamp harrier (kahu) in the Wairarapa region. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed that while the virus has reached native species, no cases have been detected in poultry, … Read more