Due to the significant public interest in the giant petrel recovered from Noosa beach on Saturday 11 July, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), through Biosecurity Queensland, can announce the bird has tested negative to H5 bird flu.
The giant petrel was recovered by a wildlife carer in Noosa during their routine duties and subsequently underwent testing by Biosecurity Queensland as part of the department's ongoing surveillance program.
To date, Biosecurity Queensland has received hundreds of reports to the 24/7 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 and we thank the public for their support.
Queensland is well prepared for H5 bird flu.
Biosecurity Queensland is collaborating with Queensland Government agencies including Queensland Health and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) to ensure robust preparedness and response arrangements are in place.
Anyone concerned about a sick or dead bird or wildlife, should:
- AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment. Do not touch or collect sick or dead wild birds or wildlife.
- RECORD what you see. If safe, record information on the number of dead birds/animals, species, location, date and time. Take a photograph if possible.
- REPORT sick or dead wild birds or wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24/7).
For more information, visit the Australian Government website or the Business Queensland website.
Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Additional information
Due to the sheer volume of reported birds, Biosecurity Queensland's standard policy is to not report on individual negative test results.
Contact
Email media@dpi.qld.gov.au.
Last updated: 15 Jul 2026