Australia confirms its first mass bird flu die-off as deadly virus reaches its shores

Australian scientists confirmed H5N1 — a dangerous bird flu virus — in six birds at Baudin Rocks, South Australia. About 50 birds died and 30 are sick. Australia was the last continent without H5N1 until its first mainland case in June 2026. Environment Minister Murray Watt warned "this is the beginning" of a long wildlife crisis, since wild birds cannot be stopped from spreading it.