August 25, 2026
A second case of H5 bird flu has been detected in Queensland.
A DPI spokesperson said samples from a dead shearwater found on Castaways Beach on the Sunshine Coast tested positive on Monday night at the State Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory.
Samples have now been sent to the CSIRO for confirmation.
The spokesperson said there had been no detection in poultry nor evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals in Queensland.
However, H5 bird flu is not able to be eradicated in wild birds and was expected to remain an ongoing wildlife disease that would require continued monitoring and management.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said the bird was found as part of Queensland’s enhanced H5 bird flu surveillance program.
“A member of the public saw this dead bird and immediately reported it. This is one of more than 3000 reports in Queensland to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and I thank the public for their support,” 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.”
Australia now has confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wildlife in most States.
South Australia has also had mass mortality events in wild birds and for the first time in Australia, a confirmed detection in a marine mammal this week.
