South Australia has confirmed its first case of H5 bird flu after the virus was detected in a migratory seabird found on the Fleurieu Peninsula, prompting renewed calls for the public to report sick or dead wildlife.
The infected bird, a Southern Giant Petrel, was discovered in a weakened condition on Knights Beach at Port Elliot on 14 June and taken into care by a wildlife welfare organisation. Samples collected by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) were later tested by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, which confirmed the presence of the H5 strain.
A second Southern Giant Petrel found alongside the infected bird tested negative.
Authorities have stressed that the detection is currently being treated as an isolated case and that there have been no infections recorded in poultry anywhere in Australia.
The finding comes days after Western Australia reported the country’s first detection of this strain of H5 bird flu, raising concerns about the arrival of the virus through migratory bird pathways.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas sought to reassure the public, saying there had been no detections in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or other bird populations within the state.
“I know this news will be concerning for many people, particularly our poultry producers, wildlife carers and communities across our state, but I want to reassure South Australians that we are well prepared and responding swiftly,” he said.
The Southern Giant Petrel breeds in Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands before travelling north during the southern winter. Wildlife experts have long identified migratory seabirds as a potential route for the virus to reach Australia.
Since the beginning of 2026, authorities have tested 774 bird samples across South Australia as part of surveillance efforts. Recent testing of two seabirds found near Fowlers Bay on the Eyre Peninsula returned negative results.
Agriculture Minister Clare Scriven said the arrival of the virus had been anticipated due to its spread through wild bird populations overseas.
“While it is disappointing to see that we have recorded our first case of H5 bird flu here in South Australia, it was always a matter of when not if this disease came to our shores as it is spread by migratory wild birds,” she said.
Globally, H5 bird flu has affected poultry industries and wildlife populations across multiple continents, leading to the deaths of millions of birds and infections in a range of mammal species. Australian authorities have spent several years preparing for the possibility of the virus reaching local wildlife.
The South Australian Government said it has invested $6.8 million since 2022 in preparedness measures, including a mobile diagnostic laboratory, decontamination units, specialist equipment and workforce training. More than 240 personnel have received training to support emergency animal disease responses.
Earlier this week, the state government convened an emergency management meeting and held discussions with industry representatives, producers and relevant agencies to review preparedness plans and response arrangements.
Health authorities have also reminded residents that bird flu infections in humans remain uncommon, although they can be serious. People are being advised not to handle sick or dead birds and to report sightings through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
Emily Bourke urged wildlife carers and bird owners to maintain strict hygiene and biosecurity practices, including using personal protective equipment when handling wildlife and preventing contact between wild birds and domestic birds.
Officials are asking anyone who encounters sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife to avoid direct contact, record the location, take photographs where possible and notify authorities.
The latest detection marks a new phase in Australia’s response to H5 bird flu. While there is currently no evidence of spread into poultry or wider bird populations in South Australia, surveillance and monitoring efforts are expected to intensify in the weeks ahead as authorities track any further cases.
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