H5 bird flu: current situation
4 September 2026
H5 bird flu has been detected in two new locations and in two new species.
A silver gull at Strahan has tested positive to H5 bird flu. This is the first detection at Strahan.
A black-faced cormorant has tested positive near Currie on King Island. This is the first detection in this species.
A peregrine falcon has tested positive at Britton's Swamp in the far northwest. This is the first detection in this species and at Britton's Swamp.
The number of H5 bird flu events in the state is now 28.
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.