#18,959
A month ago, in Australia DAFF & DCCEEW: Suspected H5 bird flu in Elephant Seals at Australian Sub-Antarctic Island, we learned of the first suspected incursion of HPAI into an Australian possession; Heard Island.
Australia, NZ, and the islands of Oceania are the only major regions of the earth that remain HPAI H5 free - and while Heard Island is far-removed from the Mainland (see map above) - this was a sobering reminder that the virus continues to increase its geographic range.
Our last update (Nov 8th) indicated that samples were enroute to Australia aboard the icebreaker RSV Nuyina, and would be delivered mid-month to the testing facilities of Australia's National science agency CSIRO.
While the results were not unexpected - and this doesn't change Australia's H5-free status - overnight the Australian government issued the following Joint Media release, providing:Confirmation of H5 bird flu on sub-Antarctic Heard Island
25 November 2025
Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Testing has confirmed the presence of the H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in samples collected from southern elephant seals on Heard Island – a sub-Antarctic Australian external territory.
Heard Island is extremely remote, located more than 4000km south-west of Perth and 1700km north of Antarctica in the Southern Ocean.
Given the known presence of this virus nearby on the French Kerguelen and Crozet sub-Antarctic islands, these results are not unexpected, and the detection does not substantially increase the risk to Australia from current levels.
While Australia’s H5 bird flu freedom status remains unchanged, the test results 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.
Samples were collected after Australian Antarctic Program scientists observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals during a recent management voyage to Heard Island.
Testing was conducted by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong after the samples were securely packaged and arrived in Australia on Monday 17 November aboard RSV Nuyina.
Testing confirmed the presence of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b virus in these samples.
There were no observations of unusual mortality in other species present on the island, including penguins and other seabirds.
A second voyage to Heard Island, scheduled to arrive late December, will be important to gather further information about wildlife health.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
“While this detection of H5 bird flu on Heard Island does not substantially increase risks to Australia, it does reinforce the ongoing need for Australia to remain focused on preparing for a potential outbreak.
“That’s why our Government is investing over $100 million in preparedness measures and building the capacity needed to respond effectively to H5 bird flu should it occur here.
“Australia remains the only continent free from the highly contagious strain of H5 bird flu.
“This detection on Heard Island demonstrates Australia’s strong biosecurity capability, scientific leadership and commitment to the environment and wildlife in the sub-Antarctic region.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
“Australian researchers are monitoring the global spread of bird flu so that we are equipped with the best possible information for when it reaches our shores.
“More sampling, wildlife health monitoring and assessment of potential impacts will occur during a second expedition to the Heard Island and McDonald Islands, which is scheduled to arrive at Heard Island in late December and return to Hobart in February 2026.
“This confirmation reinforces the importance and urgency of the work currently underway across Australia to protect threatened species and priority biodiversity, and build resilience of our most at risk species in nature.”
How long that happy state of affairs will persist is anyone's guess.
