Australia reported a second case of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu in Western Australia on Monday (June 22), after confirming its first over the weekend, as the government vowed to rein in the spread of the virus.

A migratory seabird known as a northern giant petrel found sick on a remote beach tested positive, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said, after a brown skua case on Saturday (June 20).

Both birds were found near the coastal town of Esperance, about 570 km (350 miles) southeast of the state capital of Perth.

Human infections remain rare, but the global spread of avian influenza has devastated flocks, disrupted supplies and pushed up food prices in recent years.

Until now, Australia had been the only continent without a confirmed mainland case, though the virus was detected in late 2025 on the sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island.

In its efforts to tackle bird flu, Australia has tightened farm biosecurity, increased testing of shorebirds, vaccinated vulnerable species and conducted response simulations.

Posted by: Alma Angeles/NET25 News