Bird flu detected on Macquarie Island for first time
H5 bird flu was detected on Macquarie Island in a seal and gull, marking the first marine mammal detection in Tasmanian territory.
Samples from remote Macquarie Island tested positive for H5 bird flu. The disease has reached one of Australia's most isolated wildlife regions.
A southern elephant seal and a kelp gull both carried the virus. Researchers were evacuated from the island's station in early October due to psychosocial risks from a possible outbreak.
Elephant seals are very vulnerable to H5 and breed in dense groups. About 13,000 seal pups died on nearby Heard Island after the strain was first found there in late 2025.
Macquarie Island is a World Heritage site that was declared pest-free in 2014 after decades of conservation work.
- Macquarie Island
- First detection
- First in Tasmanian territory
- Marine mammal record
- 13,000 seal pups
- Heard Island deaths
- Declared pest-free in 2014
- Conservation milestone
Why it mattersRemote wildlife sanctuaries are now at risk from the virus. There is little ability to contain the spread. Vulnerable species face potential mass deaths.
AustraliaAustralia has recorded 706 confirmed bird flu events since June, mostly in South Australia, and the disease is now reaching Australia's most isolated and protected ecosystems.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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