July 24, 2026
A wild seabird found dead on Moreton Island is believed to have died from H5 bird flu.
The dead petrel is Queensland’s first suspected positive case of the high pathogenicity avian influenza.
Australia’s first case of H5 bird flu was reported on June 20 in Western Australia, with further detections in wild seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia and NSW.
Samples from the dead bird tested positive during initial investigations at the State Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory. Samples have now been sent to the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmation.
A DPI spokesperson said there had been no detections in poultry, nor evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals in Queensland however the community was urged to continue to report sick or dead wild birds.
DPI Chief Veterinary Officer Allison Crook said the suspected positive detection was expected and Queensland was well prepared for the next steps.
“We have known that a H5 bird flu detection in Queensland was a matter of when, not if,” Dr Crook said.
“If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, avoid contact, keep children and pets away, record what you see, and report immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800-675-888.”
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the risk to human health remained unchanged.
“It is safe to continue to eat chicken meat or eggs, and I would encourage Queenslanders to purchase these products as they normally would,” he said.
“We’ve strengthened our preparedness measures and continue to work closely with industry to ensure Queensland is ready.
“The Queensland Department of Primary Industries will continue to keep the community informed as updates are available.”
