H5 bird flu: current situation
9 September 2026
H5 bird flu has been detected in three new locations in Tasmania.
A greater crested tern on Flinders Island has tested positive to H5 bird flu. This is the first detection on the island.
A forest raven has tested positive to H5 bird flu in the Mawbanna in the North West and a peregrine falcon in Pipers River in the North of the State.
H5 bird flu has been detected previously in all three bird species.
The number of H5 bird flu events in the state is now 33.
As Tasmania moves into longer-term response and surveillance actions, NRE Tas will move away from reporting on every individual positive test result, instead future updates will focus on reporting new localities where H5 bird flu has been detected.
There are no mass mortalities and no detection in Tasmanian poultry. Chicken and eggs remain safe to eat.
Pet owners play a role in helping prevent the spread of H5 bird flu by keeping cats indoors or in enclosures, keeping dogs away from sick or dead wildlife, and preventing contact between wild birds and domestic birds or poultry.
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife:
AVOID contact.
RECORD the location and, if safe, take photos.
REPORT it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Check current advice on these webpages or view our previous updates.