Scientists detect deadly H5 bird flu on remote Australian island for first time

Australia’s status as the only continent free from deadly H5 bird flu faces fresh threat after the virus reaches sub-Antarctic territory.

H5 bird flu detected on Heard Island after scientists notice unusual elephant seal deaths. Picture: AFP PHOTO/AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC DIVISION/Narelle CAMPBELL

Scientists have confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu on a sub-Antarctic Australian territory, Heard Island, following unusual elephant seal deaths.

In a joint media release, two senior federal ministers confirmed H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza was discovered on samples collected after Australian Antarctic Program scientists observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals during a recent voyage to the island that sits 5,400km south-west of Hobart.

The public were first alerted to the possibility of the virus on the island in late October, while it took until November 17 for the RSV Nuyina to deliver the samples to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong.

The virus is known to also be on the French Kerguelen and Crozet sub-Antarctic islands, which neighbours Heard Island in the Indian Ocean.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins. Picture: ZOE PHILLIPS

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said the detection of H5 bird flu on Heard Island didn’t substantially increase risks to Australia, but it would reinforce the need for the country to remain focused on preparing for a potential outbreak.

The Albanese government has invested more than $100m to defend against the virus.

“Australia remains the only continent free of the highly contagious strain of H5 bird flu,” Ms Collins said.

“This detection on Heard Island demonstrates Australia’s strong biosecurity capability, scientific leadership and commitment to the environment and wildlife in the sub-Antarctic region.”

Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt said Australian researchers were monitoring the global spread of bird flu so that we were equipped for when it reached our shores.

“More sampling, wildlife health monitoring and assessment of potential impacts will occur during a second expedition to the Heard Island and McDonald Islands, which is scheduled to arrive at Heard Island in late December and return to Hobart in February 2026,” he said.

“This confirmation reinforces the importance and urgency of the work currently underway across Australia to protect threatened species and priority biodiversity, and build resilience of our most at risk species in nature.”