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Australia confirms local spread of H5 bird flu among wild bird populations
Updated On: 29 July, 2026 01:42 PM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondent
Australia has confirmed local transmission of the highly contagious H5 bird flu virus among wild birds, ending its status as the only continental landmass free of the strain. Authorities say the poultry industry remains unaffected but warn the virus could spread further among wildlife
Recent testing confirmed that the virus has spread among greater crested terns inhabiting coastal areas of South Australia. Representational pic
The highly contagious H5 bird flu virus has begun spreading locally among wild birds in Australia, prompting authorities to warn that the outbreak could expand across susceptible wildlife populations, news agency AFP reported.
Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said on Wednesday that local transmission among wild birds was an expected but concerning development.
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