Australia has detected a second case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Western Australia, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to prevent the virus from reaching commercial poultry farms.
The latest case involved a sick northern giant petrel discovered on a remote beach near the town of Esperance, approximately 570 kilometres southeast of Perth.
The confirmation follows the detection of the virus in a brown skua reported days earlier in the same region.
READ ALSO:Â Australia Detects First Suspected Mainland H5 Bird Flu Case
Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins said the government is working closely with poultry producers and industry stakeholders to strengthen biosecurity measures and protect Australia’s food production systems.
“We are doing everything possible to reinforce biosecurity and prevent the virus from entering commercial poultry operations,” Collins said.
Although human infections remain uncommon, the spread of bird flu has caused significant losses to poultry populations worldwide, disrupted supply chains, and contributed to rising food costs in several countries.
Until recently, Australia was the only continent without a confirmed mainland outbreak of the H5N1 strain.
The virus was previously identified in late 2025 on Heard Island, an isolated Australian territory in the southern Indian Ocean.
To reduce the risk of wider transmission, authorities have expanded surveillance of migratory birds, tightened farm protection protocols, vaccinated vulnerable wildlife species, and conducted emergency response exercises.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as they seek to contain the virus and protect Australia’s poultry industry from a broader outbreak.
Reuters
