New South Wales becomes third Australian state to confirm H5N1 bird flu
Authorities have detected H5N1 avian influenza in a giant petrel near Hawks Nest, making New South Wales the third state to report the virus. Officials confirm the discovery has not impacted the supply of chicken meat or eggs.
New South Wales has become the third Australian state to confirm a case of H5N1 bird flu. Authorities identified the highly pathogenic virus in a migratory seabird, specifically a giant petrel, discovered near the coastal town of Hawks Nest. The discovery, announced late on Saturday, marks the first time the H5 strain has been detected in Australia’s most populous state.
This development follows Australia's status as the final continent to report a mainland case of the virus, an event that occurred last month. Before the mainland detections, the virus was identified in late 2025 on the sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island, located approximately 4,100 kilometers from the Australian mainland.
Across the country, a total of six infections have now been confirmed spanning three states.
"The positive test is the first confirmed detection of H5 in New South Wales,"
Tara Moriarty, Agriculture Minister, via state statement
Minister Moriarty emphasized that there is currently no evidence that the virus has spread to local wildlife, nor has it been identified in captive birds or commercial poultry flocks within the state. Addressing concerns about potential market disruptions, she noted that the situation has not affected the availability of chicken meat or eggs.
"There is no impact on the supply of chicken meat or eggs and I would encourage everyone to purchase these products as they normally would."
Tara Moriarty, Agriculture Minister, via state statement
To manage the situation, the state government has initiated a response plan involving bolstered surveillance operations. This effort includes the deployment of additional staff to provide support for the poultry industry. These measures mirror a broader national strategy, as authorities across Australia have intensified the testing and surveillance of both livestock and wildlife since the arrival of the virus on the mainland. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed his government to taking all necessary actions to limit the spread of the avian influenza.
The H5 strain has had a significant global impact over the past few years, necessitating the culling of hundreds of millions of birds. These outbreaks have frequently led to disruptions in food supplies and subsequent increases in costs. While the situation in Australia remains under close observation, officials maintain that human infections of the virus remain rare.
