← June 20, 2026 briefing
H5N1 bird flu reaches Australian mainland for first time
Health

H5N1 bird flu reaches Australian mainland for first time

Australia has confirmed its first mainland H5N1 case after a brown skua seabird found ill on the Western Australian coast tested positive, with a second bird also suspected to be infected. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the development "concerning," though authorities say there is currently no evidence the virus has reached poultry or agricultural systems.

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