The first high pathogenicity avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b incursions in the Hunter New England region, New South Wales, Australia, June–July 2026

Authors

  • Emily Gibson Health Protection, Hunter New England, Newcastle, NSW 2287
  • Meg Whitley Health Protection, Hunter New England, Newcastle, NSW 2287
  • Renee Reynolds Health Protection, Hunter New England, Newcastle, NSW 2287; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, 2305
  • Megan Vidler Health Protection, Hunter New England, Newcastle, NSW 2287
  • Kristy Crooks Health Protection, Hunter New England, Newcastle, NSW 2287
  • Peter Murray Health Protection, Hunter New England, Newcastle, NSW 2287

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2026.50.059

Keywords:

Avian influenza, H5N1, HPAI, pandemic preparedness, risk assessment, zoonotic transmission, human infection, disease surveillance, public health

Abstract

Two incursions of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b in vagrant birds were identified in the Hunter New England region of New South Wales, Australia on 28 June 2026 and 10 July 2026. These were the first detections of the virus in New South Wales and occurred shortly after the first Australian detection in June 2026. The Hunter New England Population Health Unit managed human contacts of the infected birds using a contact management system designed and purpose-built by the Unit. We report on the public health response and opportunities for improvement.

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Published

25/08/26

How to Cite

Gibson, Emily, Meg Whitley, Renee Reynolds, Megan Vidler, Kristy Crooks, and Peter Murray. 2026. “The First High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Incursions in the Hunter New England Region, New South Wales, Australia, June–July 2026”. Communicable Diseases Intelligence 50 (August). https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2026.50.059.

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