H5 Bird Flu – Community Advisory
Published on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 10:27:46 AM
H5 Bird Flu – Community Advisory
This week, the H5 strain was confirmed in two migratory Southern Ocean seabirds near Esperance.
The risk of the virus spreading beyond Esperance is uncertain and there is no evidence the virus is present in the Great Southern.
The State response is being managed by the Department of Primary Industries and current actions include enhanced surveillance of local Esperance bird populations.
Members of the Katanning community are asked to assist by:
- Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds
- Recording any observations of sick or dead birds
- Reporting sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Community surveillance supports early disease detection and the protection of public health and local biodiversity.
For further information click on this link Home | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions