Daijiworld Media Network - Australia
Australia , Feb 20: Gentoo penguins have become the first bird species confirmed to be infected with the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in an Australian external territory, after testing positive on Heard Island, the Australian government has announced.
The virus has also been detected in southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals on the remote sub-Antarctic island. While southern elephant seals were confirmed to have contracted the disease in November 2025, the latest findings mark the first known infection of birds in Australia’s external territories.
The deadly H5N1 strain (clade 2.3.4.4b) has infected and killed millions of seabirds, wild birds and poultry worldwide.
Preliminary testing was conducted at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. Samples were collected during a research voyage to Heard Island on February 3, 2026.
According to a government statement, Heard Island lies more than 4,000 kilometres south-west of Perth and about 1,700 kilometres north of Antarctica in the Southern Ocean, making it one of Australia’s most remote territories.
Authorities said the additional detections do not substantially increase the risk to mainland Australia beyond current elevated levels.
Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said preliminary laboratory results indicated that species beyond southern elephant seals had been impacted.
“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,” she said.
However, scientists aboard the RSV Nuyina reported no signs of ongoing mass mortality events in the areas visited.
The government noted that the findings were consistent with current scientific understanding of how H5N1 spreads among wildlife populations.
Officials stressed that Australia’s H5 bird flu-free status for mainland poultry remains unchanged. Nevertheless, the detections highlight the need for continued vigilance, coordinated biosecurity measures and preparedness.
The government said it is investing more than A$100 million to strengthen national bird flu preparedness and response capabilities, including rapid response equipment across all states and territories and targeted measures to protect vulnerable native species.
Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said experts have been closely monitoring the global spread of bird flu, including researchers stationed in Antarctica, the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic regions.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins added that the government takes the threat of H5 bird flu seriously and that additional funding reflects strengthened preparedness and response planning.
Monitoring efforts will continue as authorities work to safeguard wildlife and biodiversity in the region.