In recent years, H5 bird flu has spread around the world. The wild birds that are most affected include waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds and birds of prey or scavengers.
Marine mammals have also been affected, with some detections in other animals like cats, goats, alpacas and pigs.
Overseas, the highly contagious H5 strain (H5N1 HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b) has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and affected mammals.

South Australia’s first confirmed detection of H5 bird flu was in a wild migratory bird (southern giant petrel) on Wednesday, 24 June at Knights Beach at Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The strain of virus is consistent with the strain detected in the Southern Indian Ocean Sub-Antarctic Territories, including Heard Island.

Infected birds can spread the virus through body fluids such as saliva and mucus, as well as droppings and feathers. The virus does not survive long in the environment in hot or dry conditions, and it is killed by common cleaners and disinfectants. However, in the right conditions, the virus can survive in the environment for months.

Healthy birds can catch it through contact with sick birds or contaminated water, food, soil or surfaces. Sometimes other animals become infected by eating sick or dead birds, or by being in close contact with them. The virus can spread through contaminated clothing and shoes. It can also spread via animals, vehicles and equipment, and items such as egg cartons.

Most bird flu strains do not spread easily from animals to people. There is also no evidence that the current H5 bird flu strain spreads between people.

The State Government is working with agriculture, environment and health agencies at a state and national level to coordinate emergency animal disease response activities.

Activities underway in South Australia include:

An Incident Management Team is operating 7-days per week, bringing together specialists from across government and industry who are trained in emergency response and biosecurity.

A 24/7 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888) staffed by trained officers who can receive information about dead, sick and injured birds or animals, and provide information including appropriate next steps.

Investigating sick and dead animals where H5 bird flu is suspected​.
Active engagement with industry that includes a series of webinars being held for livestock, poultry and wildlife key stakeholders, veterinarians, and tourism operators.

Long-term wild bird monitoring at key sites​.

Enhanced monitoring for priority coastal, wetland and island locations.

The South Australian Government has a comprehensive surveillance plan that has been expanded based on the detections in our state. This includes aerial surveillance, specialist field teams, and a network of National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.

Investment continues into on-ground activities to build resilience in wildlife by addressing threats such as feral pigs and feral cats, to key species including waterbirds and Australian sea lions in South Australia.

The Australian Government is closely monitoring the H5 bird flu situation and has measures in place to respond and provide necessary assurances to trading partners.

The Australian Government has committed more than $113 million to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability for a potential H5 bird flu outbreak.

This includes:

$43.9 million to enhance national coordination of response arrangements and communications, strengthen surveillance and boost biosecurity capacity and capability. This includes investment in South Australia in critical capital items including destruction, disposal and decontamination equipment, stockpiles of personal protective equipment, and a mobile forward command centre.

$47.1 million to accelerate protective action for threatened species and priority biodiversity. For example, in South Australia, early project results show Australian sea lion pups are in better, healthier condition after treatment for hookworm infection. Pups have been monitored using pup shelters installed at high-risk sites, including Seal Bay. The shelters aim to enhance pup survival by reducing heat stress and the effects of adult male aggression.

$22.1 million to increase the amount of ready-to-use pandemic flu vaccines and antivirals in the National Medical Stockpile (NMS).

Up-to-date national information is available at birdflu.gov.au.

Actions to keep pet birds and poultry safe

Prevent pet birds from mingling with wild birds.
Keep food and water sources covered or away from where wild birds can access them.

Cats and Dogs

H5 bird flu has occurred in cats and dogs overseas.

Mammals that actively hunt or scavenge birds - including cats or foxes - are considered to be at higher risk of H5 bird flu infection. This is because these animals can be exposed to the virus if eating infected birds. H5 bird flu infection in dogs is extremely uncommon. In the rare cases reported overseas, affected dogs have generally shown few or only mild signs of illness.

Cats and kittens

Prevent cats from roaming by keeping them indoors to minimise their contact with wild birds.
If they do spend time outside, use a secure outdoor enclosure that prevents contact with wild birds.
Keep your cat’s food and water indoors and out of reach of birds.
Always ensure they have access to fresh and clean water.

Dogs and puppies

Keep dogs on a lead in public areas, especially when walking in areas where wildlife is present including on the beach.
Keep dogs away from sick or dead birds or other wildlife.
Keep dog’s food and water indoors and out of reach of birds.
Always ensure they have access to fresh and clean water.
Clean your shoes thoroughly after walking your dog in a wildlife area.

Find out more at birdflu.sa.gov.au

Cattle, sheep, goats and pigs

The Australian Government High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Preparedness Taskforce partnered with Dairy Australia in December 2024 to commission an independent risk assessment of H5 HPAI (H5 bird flu) in Australian dairy cattle.

The report was completed in September 2025. It provides guidance on preparedness and response measures for industry and government. It also provides rapid risk appraisals for other livestock sectors, including beef cattle, pigs, small ruminants – sheep and goats.

The report estimated the risk to the Australian dairy industry to be low. The risk is estimated to be negligible for beef cattle and small ruminants (sheep and goats), and low for pigs.

Horses

Risk to horses from H5 bird flu is considered very low. There have been no reported cases of horses developing illness from H5 bird flu anywhere in the world and no evidence that the disease spreads between horses.

Find out more at birdflu.sa.gov.au