Ingham's Locks Down WA Farms as 2 Wild Birds Test Positive for H5N1
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 22
Ingham's Locks Down WA Farms as 2 Wild Birds Test Positive for H5N1
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 22
Summary
Ingham’s imposed a complete lockdown across its Western Australia poultry operations after H5N1 was confirmed in a second wild bird near Esperance, with both infected birds now dead.
Nine samples were collected after 42 hotline reports on Sunday and 16 the day before; authorities say there is still no detection in commercial poultry, wildlife populations more broadly or agricultural systems.
The company will seek approval to keep free-range chickens indoors and has halted nonessential access, while noting its breeder farms and grower networks sit north of Perth, hundreds of kilometres from the outbreak area.
Ingham’s shares fell as much as 14% before closing nearly 5% lower at A$2, reflecting concern over a virus that had left Australia the last continent free of H5N1 until this mainland detection.
Canberra says it has invested A$113 million in preparedness, while farm and conservation groups warned of stress for producers and renewed calls for a A$200 million wildlife emergency fund.
As deadly bird flu hits Australia, are its iconic animal species facing an unavoidable extinction event?
As the last continent falls to bird flu, was Australia's famed biosecurity shield simply delaying the inevitable?
After jumping to US cows, could bird flu find a new pathway into Australia's food chain via its livestock?
H5N1 Hits Mainland Australia: First Outbreak in Western Australia Sparks National Biosecurity Emergency and Threatens $5 Billion Poultry Industry
Overview
In June 2026, the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain was detected for the first time on mainland Australia, with initial cases found in sick skua and petrel birds in the Esperance area of Western Australia. This unprecedented arrival signaled a major biosecurity challenge, prompting immediate and robust responses from authorities and the poultry industry. Public reports of unwell and deceased birds surged, leading to increased hotline activity and rapid collection of samples for testing. The swift actions taken highlight the seriousness of the threat and the coordinated effort to protect both wildlife and the poultry sector.