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Australia Confirms First H5N1 Wildlife Deaths, Allocates $24M

8/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australia confirmed its first H5N1 wildlife mass-mortality on 3 August 2026 at Baudin Rocks, South Australia.
Tests found H5N1 in 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns near Cape Jaffa, raising the total to 74 cases, 54 in South Australia.
Environment Minister Murray Watt said the incident begins a wildlife recovery and warned more mass-mortality events are likely.
He announced an extra $24 million for the response and noted no poultry infections.

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Story summary

Australia confirmed its first H5N1 wildlife mass-mortality on 3 August 2026 at Baudin Rocks, South Australia.
Tests found H5N1 in 49 dead and 35 sick greater crested terns near Cape Jaffa, raising the total to 74 cases, 54 in South Australia.
Environment Minister Murray Watt said the incident begins a wildlife recovery and warned more mass-mortality events are likely.
He announced an extra $24 million for the response and noted no poultry infections.