WHO Western Pacific Avian Influenza Weekly Update Number 1054 (24 July 2026)

The report describes no new human infections with avian influenza virus in the region from 17-23 July, but there were 10 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in animals in Australia and New Zealand during this period: 

From the report:

"From 17 to 23 July 2026, 10 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in animals were reported from Australia and New Zealand to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in the Western Pacific Region:

• Australia: A total of nine outbreaks of H5N1 in wild birds were reported from New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia, with a cumulative total of nine new cases and two new deaths (Source).
• New Zealand: One outbreak of H5N1 in a wild bird was reported from Wellington, with a cumulative total of one new case and no new death (Source).

For more information on animal infection with avian influenza viruses with potential public health impact, visit:

• WOAH web page: Weekly disease information and Latest report on Avian Influenza
• Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases (EMPRES)
• FAO Global Animal Disease Information System (EMPRES-i)"

National surveillance:

The Australian Government updates surveillance information here. As of 30 July 2026, Australia has 28 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds:

• 10 in Western Australia (WA)
• 15 in South Australia (SA) 
• 2 in New South Wales (NSW)
• 1 in Queensland (QLD)

Equivalent updates from the Government of New Zealand (Ministry for Primary Industries) can be found here. 

"SITUATION UPDATE: 30 July 2026:

New Zealand has 2 confirmed detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu).

There have been no further detections of H5 bird flu since 17 July 2026. There is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife. There has been no detection in poultry."