AdvertisementPoliticsFederalBird flu Local transmission of H5N1 declared as alarm sounds for local birds, sea lions Mike Foley Updated July 31, 2026 — 11:30am ,first published July 29, 2026 — 10:39am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. AdvertisementSA Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said results showed it was “very, very likely” the birds were infected with H5N1 virus. “We do expect with this local transmission there will be further transmission in Australian wildlife,” Collins said. Sick animals should not be touched, but their location should be noted, with photos and videos, before calling the bird flu hotline on 1800 675 888. CLARIFICATION A previous version said the new strain of bird flu threatened otters, which are only found in Australian zoos.