Gentoo penguins the first birds on Australian territory to contract H5N1 as bird flu spreads

Australian Antarctic Program scientists say virus on Heard Island has spread to new species

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The gentoo penguin has become the first bird to test positive for the H5N1 bird flu on an Australian territory, with samples confirming the virus has spread on a sub-Antarctic island.

The deadly and contagious strain of bird flu, which has already killed millions of seabirds, wild birds and poultry overseas, was confirmed in southern elephant seals on Heard Island in November 2025.

Source: Guardian - World News