Western Australian poultry farms locked down after H5N1 bird flu discovered in wild birds (opens original article in a new tab)

Western Australian poultry farms implemented lockdowns after H5N1 bird flu was detected in wild birds, marking the first occurrence on Australia's mainland. The virus was found in a brown skua and giant petrel near Esperance, prompting precautionary measures despite no commercial cases. Australia had previously been free of the virus since 2021, and Ingham's Group's shares dropped following the announcement.

• Poultry farms in Western Australia locked down after H5N1 bird flu found in wild birds
• A brown skua and giant petrel tested positive for H5N1 virus near Esperance
• Australia was previously the only continent free of H5N1 since 2021
• Ingham's shares dropped 14% following the announcement
• Federal government invested $113m in preparedness efforts for bird flu outbreaks