EN · August 1, 2026 · HIGH

Australia Investigates Suspected First H5N1 Mass Bird Mortality Event

South Australian authorities reported more than 80 dead or sick greater crested terns near Robe in a suspected H5N1 mass mortality event.

By ADDISMIZAN NEWSROOMPublished August 1, 2026Updated August 1, 2026

In short

South Australian authorities reported more than 80 dead or sick greater crested terns near Robe in a suspected H5N1 mass mortality event.

First Australian mass mortality event suspected as deadly bird flu virus rapidly escalates among native birds

Australian authorities are investigating what is suspected to be the country’s first mass mortality event linked to the H5N1 bird flu virus after aerial surveillance found more than 80 dead or sick native birds off South Australia.

Officials said on Saturday, August 1, 2026, that helicopter surveillance identified 49 dead greater crested terns and 35 sick terns on Baudin Rocks near Robe. The cause remained under investigation, and the event was described as suspected rather than confirmed.

The report comes six weeks after H5N1 was first detected in Australia, according to the source reviewed by AddisMizan. The cluster is significant because it may mark a rapid escalation among native bird populations.

Authorities had not confirmed the suspected outbreak as the country’s first H5N1-related mass mortality event at the time of reporting.