Tasmania has recorded its first confirmed detection of the H5 strain of bird flu, with the virus identified in a wild brown skua found on the state’s north-west coast. The detection, confirmed on Thursday, August 13, has led to immediate activation of the state’s bird flu response plans and a call for heightened vigilance across the community.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) confirmed the positive result after Parks and Wildlife Service staff, undertaking active coastal surveillance, alerted authorities to the carcass of the skua at Burgess Cove, Rocky Cape. This marks Tasmania’s inaugural confirmed case of the H5 bird flu, a strain that has been spreading across mainland Australia in wild bird populations since June 2026.
In response to the detection, the annual Hobart Poultry and Pigeon Show has been cancelled due to bird flu fears, as reported by ABC News. This decision aligns with broader concerns across the country, which have seen other agricultural shows, such as the Royal Adelaide Show and Wentworth Show, cancel their poultry events as a precautionary measure.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, emphasised that while a positive detection has occurred, there is currently no evidence of a widespread outbreak, nor has the virus been detected in commercial poultry operations. Minister Pearce stated that Tasmania had been preparing for the arrival of H5 bird flu for some time and was ready to respond, having worked closely with industry, wildlife, and biosecurity experts to strengthen surveillance and preparedness.
The Tasmanian Government is urging all Tasmanians to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead birds or wildlife immediately. The public is advised to avoid contact with such animals and instead record what they see, including the animal type, number, and location, before reporting it to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
For poultry owners, biosecurity remains paramount. NRE Tas advises keeping domestic birds separated from wild birds, protecting feed and water sources from potential contamination, and closely monitoring birds for any signs of illness.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Guy Barnett, acknowledged that an H5 bird flu outbreak could be distressing for the community and highlighted ongoing preparations for a potential mass mortality event among vulnerable species. Protection plans are being developed for at-risk native species, including the Orange-bellied parrot, Tasmanian devil, Shy albatross, and Short-tailed shearwater. A vaccination program targeting approximately 350 endangered orange-bellied parrots is also planned.
Authorities have already conducted aerial surveys covering more than 980 kilometres of coastline as part of their early-detection strategy. Despite the serious nature of the detection, officials reassure the public that the risk to human health remains low.