The detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in two wild seabirds near Esperance, Western Australia, confirmed on 20 June, ended Australia’s status as the only continental landmass free of the strain. A third infected bird, a giant petrel, was subsequently confirmed in South Australia on 25 June, and a fourth suspected case in WA’s Quindalup area awaits CSIRO verification. Papua New Guinea, which takes roughly half of Australia’s poultry exports, immediately suspended imports of chicken and eggs—a ban the federal agriculture minister called unnecessary given the virus remains confined to wild birds and no poultry cases have been recorded. The restriction was lifted within days, though some consignments must be returned.

The virus’s arrival via migratory seabirds from the sub-Antarctic—where mass die-offs of elephant seal pups and king penguins were documented through 2025–26—has shifted the focus to Australia’s native mammals. Wildlife health authorities identify marine mammals, particularly endangered sea lions and fur seals, as directly exposed, while scavenging marsupials such as Tasmanian devils, quolls and numbats face risk from consuming infected carcasses. A pre-print study suggests devils may have depleted immune gene diversity, compounding the threat to a population already reduced by 80 per cent from facial tumour disease. Surveillance has intensified with drone surveys, increased shorebird testing, and farm biosecurity lockdowns by major poultry processors in WA.

Separately, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is assessing allegations that imported raw peanuts are bypassing quarantine and being sold illegally in Sydney, Melbourne and online. Industry figures say testing indicates the nuts were capable of germinating, meaning they had not undergone required processing. The primary fear is the introduction of peanut smut, a soil-borne disease present in South America that could devastate domestic production. The department has stated it will take strong enforcement action if non-compliance is found; penalties reach A$8.25 million for corporations.

In a domestic regulatory decision, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority declined to ban paraquat, a herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease by some research, but cut the maximum application rate by 80 per cent and mandated protective equipment, phasing out backpack sprayers. Parkinson’s Australia criticised the decision, noting more than 70 countries have prohibited the chemical. Meanwhile, India’s areca nut trade faces disruption: Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration seized over 50 trucks from Karnataka, alleging chemical additives in processing, causing prices to drop by around ₹2,000 per quintal. Growers are also pressing New Delhi to raise the minimum import price to ₹451 per kg, citing rising production costs and disease pressure.