Australia's H5N1 Bird Flu Cases Surpass 200-Mark

Confirmed or presumed positive cases of the H5N1 bird flu strain in Australia reached 203 as of August 8, 2026, marking a 290 per cent increase since the end of July.

South Australia accounts for 147 of the total cases, while Victoria has reported 43, prompting the Victorian government to mandate that poultry flocks of 50 or more birds be housed indoors.

Federal authorities confirmed that while there have been no detections in the agricultural system, the country has experienced its first mass mortality event involving greater crested terns on an island off South Australia.