Authorities in South Australia (SA) announced the discovery of seven new suspected cases of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain. These cases were identified in greater crested terns situated on the state’s southeast Limestone Coast. Five of the suspected cases were detected in the same town within a span of two days. Samples from these birds have been sent for confirmatory testing to determine if local transmission has occurred at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
If confirmed, these new cases would bring the total number of H5N1 cases in Australia to 27 since the highly pathogenic strain was first detected on the mainland in mid-June. SA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Skye Fruean, mentioned that surveillance efforts would be intensified in areas where high-risk seabird species, such as crested terns, are prevalent. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Julie Collins, emphasized that there have been no mass mortality events related to H5N1 in Australia and no evidence of the strain in poultry or agricultural systems.
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus known for its easy transmission among birds. While the risk to human health is currently low, the World Health Organization has reported 477 deaths from 993 confirmed human cases of H5N1 avian influenza globally between 2003 and December 2025.
