Story perspectives

H5N1 Found in Cape Le Grand Birds, Inghams Shuts Down

6/24/2026

Summary

Collins Reports H5N1

Julie Collins announced on 24 June 2026 that wild birds in Cape Le Grand National Park tested positive for H5N1.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation confirmed the test results.
State and national agencies began a response on 22 June 2026 and coordinated surveillance for three to seven days.
Health authorities said the public risk is low and poultry products are safe if handled after Inghams Group locked down its Western Australian farms and processing sites.

Summary

Govt Funds H5N1

On 24 June 2026 the federal government announced a $113 million allocation for H5N1 preparedness.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas secured $8.1 million for the Department of Primary Industries and Regions to fund monitoring.
Western Australia’s chief veterinary officer Michelle Roden said the H5N1 strain is unlikely to spread between mammals, with infection usually after birds are eaten.
Volunteers who cared for the infected petrel in South Australia were offered the antiviral Tamiflu as a precaution.

Summary

AVA Requests Funding

AVA asks government to allocate AU$7.5 million for four years to compensate veterinarians treating H5N1-infected wildlife.
AVA president Dr Diana Barker warned the veterinary workforce in remote areas is stretched by the bird-flu response.
Invasive Species Council director Dr Carol Booth said at least AU$200 million is needed in two years for wildlife resilience to H5N1.

Summary

PNG Suspends

PNG suspended Australian poultry imports after a second H5N1 case was confirmed in South Australia.
The second case involved a dead migratory bird found near Fowlers Bay, more than 1,200 km east of Esperance.
The ban affected PNG, which purchased A$44 million of Australian goods in 2023, its largest export market.
Australian officials later lifted the suspension with exceptions while Canberra continues talks with PNG to resolve the dispute.

History

Historical Context

In January 2005 H5N1 hit Vietnam, forcing the culling of nearly 1.2 million poultry and prompting the WHO to declare a global health emergency. The outbreak killed up to 140 million birds and cost US$10 billion, leading FAO and the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza to launch surveillance and vaccination. In 2026 Australia’s Department of Agriculture allocated AU$113 million to expand H5N1 monitoring at Cape Le Grand National Park.

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Collins Reports H5N1

Julie Collins announced on 24 June 2026 that wild birds in Cape Le Grand National Park tested positive for H5N1.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation confirmed the test results.
State and national agencies began a response on 22 June 2026 and coordinated surveillance for three to seven days.
Health authorities said the public risk is low and poultry products are safe if handled after Inghams Group locked down its Western Australian farms and processing sites.

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