What’s Happening?
Queensland authorities are assessing an H5 bird flu finding involving a dead shearwater recovered from Castaways Beach.
The Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory produced an initial positive result last night. Samples are now with CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing.
The Department of Primary Industries is managing the response while the final laboratory result remains pending.
Why It Matters
No poultry infections have been detected in Queensland. There is also no evidence of large-scale deaths involving any animals across the state.
However, H5 cannot be eradicated from wild bird populations. It is likely to remain an ongoing wildlife disease requiring continued monitoring and management.
Public reports support this work by helping authorities locate sick or dead animals for assessment and testing.
Local Impact
The Castaways Beach shearwater was found through Queensland’s enhanced H5 surveillance program after a community member reported it.
DPI Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said the report allowed authorities to respond quickly. “A member of the public saw this dead bird and immediately reported it. This is one of more than 3,000 reports in Queensland to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and I thank the public for their support,” Dr Crook said.
People are being urged not to touch sick or dead wild birds. Children and pets should also be kept away.
“If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, avoid contact, keep children and pets away, record what you see, and report immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.”
By the Numbers
- Queensland has recorded two H5 bird flu detections, with the latest involving a shearwater from Castaways Beach.
- More than 3,000 reports have been made to Queensland’s Emergency Animal Disease Hotline during the surveillance response.
- South Australia recorded Australia’s first confirmed H5 detection in a marine mammal this week.
Zoom In
Dr Crook said Queensland was prepared to respond to the latest event.
DPI’s Incident Management Team is acting quickly through heightened surveillance, stakeholder engagement and regular public communication.
The statewide surveillance program will also continue with support from the community and industry.
“We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant,” Dr Crook said.
Zoom Out
H5 bird flu has now been confirmed in wildlife across most Australian states. South Australia has also recorded mass mortality events among wild birds.
The growing number of wildlife detections reinforces the need for continued monitoring across state borders.
What To Look For Next?
Confirmatory testing by CSIRO will determine the final status of the Castaways Beach samples.
Meanwhile, DPI will continue statewide surveillance and regular public updates. Reports of sick or dead wild birds will remain important to the response.
