Bird Flu - Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst

It has finally arrived.

As of mid-July 2026, Australia has recorded 123 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild migratory seabirds, including giant Petrels and Terns. These cases have been reported in NSW, South Australia and Western Australia. It has always been the case of not "if" but "when" bird flu would arrive on these shores. It has already reached every other continent on earth including, Antarctica. Australia was only protected by its geographical isolation and the fact that sick birds would struggle to make the journey. It protected us for a time but, alas, no more.

Mandurah Wildlife: 20 Years of Protecting Peel’s Native Wildlife

The Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre has fought a battle on behalf of wildlife in the Peel region for more than 20 years and does it purely with the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors and community donations. There is no government funding available for the rehabilitation sector. It is a thin green line.

Preparing for the Arrival of the Bird Flu

Speaking to Senior Supervisor Jane Lord, the Centre has not been slow at implementing an avian flu action plan. All incoming birds are now segregated through a separate admissions process away from other fauna and then placed in the quarantine Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where they will be assessed and monitored. The ICU is only accessible to specialist trained volunteers with other support personnel confined to the areas of the Centre which receive other (non-bird) fauna.

We are no Longer Accepting Seabirds

The sign on the front gate at the Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre said it all: “Due to the risk of Bird Flu, we are not accepting Seabirds. “ The Wildlife Centre has never treated seabirds before, but we did accept them and then were send on to other centres, by the great team of Seabird Rescue.

Keeping Animals and Volunteers Safe

The front carpark is now restricted access to the main building, with visitors now directed to bring wildlife to a temporary admission area at the top of the car park. Visitors are also asked to park their vehicles down the hill away from the Centre.

Behind these actions is a detailed Response Plan developed by the Board. The three key priorities are protecting animals in care, safeguarding people and keeping the Centre operating safely.

The plan includes additional roofing to the aviaries to protect animals from infected wildlife, and new fencing and gates to strengthen biosecurity. Fundraising has also been occurring in preparation for these additional unfunded expenses.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Group of Western Australia

Mandurah Wildlife is one of six major rehabilitation centres that form the Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Group of Western Australia (WRAGWA). Collectively this advisory body is working closely with government agencies and external experts to ensure a coordinated response. Procedures are expected to change as new information and official advice becomes available.

Apart from restricting public access and introducing new admission procedures, strict infection control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are now in place for all admissions, with sick birds kept separate from healthy animals. As an additional precaution, the Centre has made a point of specifying an exclusion of seabird admissions and is taking extra care with other higher risk bird species.

Volunteer safety is a major focus, with newer volunteers and students excluded from quarantine and admissions areas, while senior volunteers can choose whether to assist with higher risk duties. Volunteers who keep birds at home are encouraged to strengthen biosecurity practices, and pet owners are reminded to prevent domestic animals from interacting with sick or dead wildlife.

Avoiding a Disaster by Following Bird Flu Procedures

Ann Biggins, Quality Support / Board member, said that: ‘Experts predict bird flu could be the biggest disaster our Australia birds and mammals will ever face. It is important for the community to continue to follow advice to not touch sick or dead animals. The guidance is to avoid; record; and report.’ Mandurah Wildlife will continue to provide updates via WhatsApp and email and has reassured the community that these temporary measures are intended to protect wildlife, people and the Centre's long-term operations.

As Jane Lord says, ‘No one is really sure how this thing will play out and how Australian fauna will be effected.’ For the now, the thin green line holds.