H5 Bird Flu On Sub-Antarctic Heard Island Update
Preliminary test results have confirmed H5 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in additional wildlife species on Australia's sub-Antarctic external territory of Heard Island following confirmation in southern elephant seals in November 2025.
A small number of further samples collected by Australian Antarctic Program scientists from species including the southern elephant seal, Antarctic fur seal and gentoo penguin have now tested positive at the CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
These most recent samples were collected as part of the RSV Nuyina's second voyage to Heard Island, which returned to Hobart on 3 February.
Comprehensive biosecurity measures were in place for these samples as well as all returning travellers, cargo, equipment and clothing to ensure any potential biosecurity risks are well managed.
These findings are not unexpected and are consistent with what is known about H5 bird flu spread, including through direct contact or shared environments.
Heard Island is extremely remote, located more than 4000km south-west of Perth and 1700km north of Antarctica in the Southern Ocean.
These further detections do not substantially increase the risk to Australia from current elevated levels.
While Australia's H5 bird flu freedom status remains unchanged, the Heard Island detections serve as a reminder of the importance of ongoing vigilance, coordinated biosecurity measures, and preparedness across governments, industry, and conservation partners.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $100 million to strengthen bird flu preparedness and enhance national response capability - including towards the delivery of rapid response equipment in every state and territory and building resilience in Australia's most at-risk native species.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"While continued detections of H5 bird flu on Heard Island are not unexpected, this does reinforce the ongoing need for Australia to remain focused on preparing for a potential outbreak.
"Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and Australia's success depends on close cooperation between governments, industry, communities and individuals.
"Our Government takes the threat of H5 bird flu seriously which is why we are investing more than $100 million to strengthen bird flu preparedness and enhance national response capability."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"Australian experts have been on the frontline of monitoring the global spread of bird flu.
"This includes our researchers working in Antarctica, the Southern Ocean and the sub-Antarctic, at times spending weeks and months away from their families and friends, working in trying conditions.
"The Albanese Government continues to support and prioritise urgent work underway across Australia to protect threatened species and biodiversity and build resilience of our most at risk species in nature."
Quotes attributable to the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson:
"Preliminary laboratory results indicate that species beyond southern elephant seals have been impacted by H5 bird flu, with a small number of confirmed additional detections in species including the southern elephant seal, Antarctic fur seal and gentoo penguin from the second voyage.
"The voyage's aerial survey data continues to be analysed to further assess the impacts, however on ground observations from the scientists on the RSV Nuyina indicated that there were no signs of ongoing mass mortality events in the areas they visited."
https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/collins/media-releases/h5-bird-flu-heard-island-update
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