Australia facing 'tsunami of devastation' over H5 bird flu outbreak
South Australia is reporting a potential mass-mortality event involving greater crested terns linked to the H5N1 bird flu. Government officials state the virus is now established in native wildlife and can no longer be eradicated.
Why it matters
The establishment of H5N1 in Australian wildlife poses a significant threat to biodiversity and highlights the ongoing challenge of managing zoonotic diseases.
06:39 SBS News In Depth Follow and Subscribe Follow and Subscribe
Apple Podcasts Spotify Listnr Download (6.09MB) Download the SBS Audio app Available on iOS and Android Australia's confirmed cases of H5 bird flu include a seagull in South Australia, sparking fears on local transmission. Source: AAP / Danny Casey South Australia may be facing Australia’s first mass wildlife death event linked to H5N1 bird flu. More than 80 sick or dying greater crested terns have been found on an island off the South Australian coast. Nationally, the government says the virus can no longer be eradicated. While the risk to human health remains low, native species could be hit hard. Follow and Subscribe Apple Podcasts Spotify Listnr Download (6.09MB) Download the SBS Audio app Available on iOS and Android Published 2 August 2026 3:43pm
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