Published on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 at 2:23:05 PM
The Shire of Gingin would like to acknowledge today's announcement by the Western Australian Government confirming a positive detection of H5 bird flu (H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza) in a deceased migratory seabird found in Lancelin.
The deceased bird was reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and managed by DPIRD in accordance with strict biosecurity guidelines. Testing at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness was unable to determine the specific H5 bird flu strain, likely due to the sample quality from a decomposed carcass, it will be treated as a positive case.
Additionally, on the WA South Coast, a dead giant petrel found at Parry Beach in Denmark has also tested positive for the H5 strain.
While the confirmation of positive detections is an important reminder that H5N1 bird flu is present in wild migratory seabirds in Western Australia, there is still no evidence of spread to poultry or large-scale deaths in local wildlife, and the risk to the general public remains low.
The Shire reminds residents and visitors to:
- Avoid handling or approaching sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife.
- Do not collect, move or dispose of animal carcasses.
If you observe any additional sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife, please:
- Record the location, date and time and, if safe to do so, take a photo from a distance.
- Report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to maintain best-practice biosecurity measures, including preventing contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, monitoring flocks for signs of illness, and reporting any unusual sickness or deaths.
The Shire continues to work closely with DPIRD and other relevant agencies and will provide community updates should further information become available.
For the latest information on avian influenza, visit the DPIRD website or the Australian Government's Bird Flu information page here.
Media Contacts:
Matilda Agnew
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICER
T: (08) 9575 5100
E: media@gingin.wa.gov.au
Back to All News