Tasmanian authorities are investigating the deaths of 28 little penguins and three crested terns discovered at the Port of Grassy on King Island. Samples have been collected from the deceased birds and sent for testing to determine if H5 avian influenza (bird flu) is the cause.
The discovery comes as South Australia grapples with a significant escalation in suspected H5 bird flu cases, with Premier Peter Malinauskas reporting three mass mortality events involving over 1,000 greater crested terns on offshore islands. These deaths are presumed to be linked to the H5 strain of bird flu.
Tasmania recorded its first positive detection of H5 bird flu in a wild brown skua near Rocky Cape in the state’s north-west on August 13, 2026. Since then, the total number of confirmed H5 bird flu cases in wild birds across Tasmania stands at 11, with seven of these confirmed deaths occurring on King Island.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) has increased surveillance and monitoring activities on King Island in response to the detections. Specialist teams have been deployed to the area to enhance surveillance and collection capacity, according to Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
NRE Tas has confirmed that the bird carcasses from King Island will be collected to minimise any potential for disease spread, noting that the cause of death for the penguins and terns is not yet confirmed.
Despite the ongoing investigations and confirmed cases in wild birds, the risk of H5 bird flu to people in Tasmania remains low, and there have been no human cases reported in Australia. Furthermore, there have been no detections of H5 bird flu in Tasmanian poultry, and chicken meat and eggs are considered safe to eat.
Tasmanians are urged to exercise caution and report any sightings of sick or dead birds or other wildlife. The Department of Health advises against touching such animals and recommends contacting the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. NRE Tas also advises keeping pets, such as dogs and cats, away from sick or dead wildlife, keeping cats contained, and ensuring dogs are on a lead in relevant areas.
The Tasmanian Government has been preparing for the arrival of H5 bird flu, with NRE Tas implementing a Tasmanian Avian Influenza Readiness and Response Plan. Efforts are also underway to advance vaccination for captive Orange-bellied Parrots as an additional protection measure for this endangered species.
For further information and updates, readers are encouraged to refer to official statements from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania and news reports from outlets such as ABC News.