cPublic safety graphic about avian disease showing three steps: “Avoid – Stay a safe distance away from the animal and do not touch” (with a crossed-out hand touching a bird icon); “Record – Take a photo or video and record the date, time and location” (camera and phone icons); and “Report – Phone the emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888” (phone icon). On the right, a close-up photo of a brown-and-white bird standing on a surface with a blurred background.

H5 bird flu (specifically high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1strain 2.3.4.4b), is a serious and highly contagious strain of avian influenza, an infectious zoonotic viral disease that has spread quickly across the world.

Australia confirmed its first case of H5 bird flu in a vagrant migratory seabird (a brown skua) near Esperance on the WA south coast on 20 June 2026.  

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is Western Australia’s lead agency for H5 bird flu.  
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is working alongside DPIRD and other State and Federal agencies to prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu in wildlife.  

For the most up-to-date information on H5 bird flu in Australia, visit birdflu.gov.au

Reporting

Know the signs and how to report H5 bird flu.

H5 bird flu

About H5 bird flu

What is H5 bird flu?

H5 bird flu

Wildlife

H5 bird flu impacts on native wildlife.

H5 bird flu

Preparing and responding

State and Federal response to H5 bird flu. 

H5 bird flu

Biosecurity

Advice for individuals that may handle wild birds or mammals.

H5 bird flu

Human health

Understanding the risk to humans.

H5 bird flu

Resources

Wildlife carers

Information for wildlife carers
Bird flu toolkit for people who work with birds 
National Wildlife Biosecurity Guidelines
Wildlife Health Australia HPAI Information and Resources
National Avian Influenza Wild Bird (NAIWB) surveillance program
 

Veterinary resources

Avian influenza webinar for Western Australian veterinarians - 11 February 2025
Veterinary Personal Biosecurity & PPE
Avian influenza: Guide for veterinary practices 
EADRA, AUSVETPLAN, training resources 
HPAI Risk Mitigation Toolbox for Wildlife Care Providers
National Wildlife Biosecurity Guidelines 

Human health

WA Department of Health – avian influenza
WA public health units contacts
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 

Information for Traditional Owners

Information for First Nations communities - DCCEEW 

Related

Wildcare Helpline

The Wildcare Helpline is a telephone referral service operated by volunteers on behalf of the department. 

About H5 bird flu

What is H5 bird flu?

Biosecurity

Advice for individuals that may handle wild birds or mammals.

Human health

Understanding the risk to humans.

Preparing and responding

State and Federal response to H5 bird flu. 

Reporting

Know the signs and how to report H5 bird flu.

Wildlife

H5 bird flu impacts on native wildlife.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.