Two recent developments have renewed attention on international avian influenza surveillance: in Norway, the H5N5 subtype was isolated in a polar bear and a walrus, while in Australia, the H5N1 virus was detected for the first time in native seabirds, with 12 confirmed cases since the start of June. Health authorities describe the risk to humans as still low, but both episodes confirm the virus’s tendency to widen the range of species involved, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring along the main migratory routes and in the most exposed ecosystems.
What happened in July 2026
Over recent months, two distinct but related events have emerged, sharing a notable element: the involvement of new animal species in different geographic areas. While neither changes the risk level for the general population, both cases have drawn the attention of international health authorities.
The new H5N5 subtype detected in mammals in Norway
In Norway, veterinary authorities have continued monitoring the spread of the HPAI A(H5N5) subtype, already detected in several wild mammal species. The surveillance report published in 2026 confirms that in 2025 the virus had been identified in five Arctic foxes and one red fox, while in 2026 cases were also documented in a polar bear and a walrus in Svalbard. Infections in mammals are considered mainly the result of eating infected birds or their carcasses, and represent an important indicator of the virus’s circulation in the natural environment.
12 cases in native seabirds in Australia: the first involvement of a native species
In early July 2026, the Australian government confirmed a case of H5N1 in a crested tern found at Robe, in South Australia, bringing the number of confirmed cases since the start of June to 12 (three new cases on 10 July). Until then, the virus had only been detected in migratory seabirds: authorities described the involvement of a native species as a concerning development, even in the absence of mass die-offs or signs of spread to poultry farms. The event suggests that the virus may be starting to circulate among resident populations too, changing the surveillance scenarios adopted so far.
Why these episodes are being closely monitored
Not every avian influenza detection carries the same epidemiological significance. The virus’s appearance in new species, or hosts other than those usually involved, is an indicator that surveillance systems assess with particular attention.
Difference between circulation in migratory birds and in native species/mammals
Virus circulation in migratory birds is a well-known phenomenon that has been monitored for years; the jump to native species (as in the Australian case) or to mammals (such as Norway’s Arctic foxes, polar bears, and walruses) is instead a signal that surveillance bodies, such as EFSA in Europe, monitor with particular care, because each new host is an additional opportunity for the virus to mutate and adapt. While these events do not automatically imply an increased risk to humans, they help shape understanding of the virus’s epidemiological evolution and guide control strategies.
What health authorities say about the risk to humans
Both Australian and Norwegian authorities have described the risk to the general population as low, noting the absence of evidence of sustained transmission between mammals or to humans.
The bigger picture: where is the H5 virus heading
The events recorded in Australia and Norway fit into an international situation marked by the persistent spread of highly pathogenic influenza viruses. Viewing them in a global context helps clarify their real significance.
Cases in dairy cattle and the poultry sector in the United States
Avian influenza A(H5) remains widespread among wild birds globally and continues to cause outbreaks in domestic poultry. In the United States, the virus has also caused outbreaks in dairy cattle, with sporadic human cases recorded among dairy and poultry workers: a professional exposure context different from the Australian and Norwegian episodes. These events show how the virus is capable of involving different animal species, making strong early-detection capacity essential.
Why monitoring mammals is a key indicator
Every case of infection in a mammal is closely analyzed by surveillance bodies. This is because mammals, being genetically closer to humans than birds, represent “fertile ground” for new adaptations toward humans: a scenario that, at present, does not appear to have occurred, but one that justifies genetic sequencing of isolated viruses and international sharing of epidemiological data.
What this means for Italian farms
News from abroad does not indicate an immediate increase in risk for Italian farms, but it confirms the importance of maintaining high prevention and surveillance standards required under biosecurity protocols.
No direct alarm, but a reminder on preventive biosecurity
The episodes of recent months involve geographic and epidemiological contexts far removed from Italian farms, and do not imply a change in the risk level in our country. They remain, however, a reminder of the importance of ongoing surveillance and preventive biosecurity measures, particularly during periods of greater migratory bird movement. Maintaining strict protocols for access control, animal management, and environmental sanitization continues to be one of the most effective tools for limiting the risk of virus introduction. Modern technologies, such as e4shieldtm, integrated into e4life farm devices designed for the livestock sector, complement more traditional approaches, raising indoor air quality standards on farms.
A deeper look already available on biosecurity and air quality on farms
For a broader analysis of how biosecurity measures, including control of airborne viral load in farm environments, tie in with national regulatory requirements, see the blog article on avian influenza H5N1/H5N5 and biosecurity on farms. The article also describes the main preventive strategies farmers can adopt to reduce biological risk and strengthen protection for animals and workers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened with avian influenza in Australia in July 2026?
The Australian government confirmed 12 cases of H5N1 in seabirds since the start of June 2026, including the first case detected in a native species (a crested tern) rather than in migratory birds, as had been the case until then.
What is the H5N5 subtype found in Norway?
It is a highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype, distinct from the more widespread H5N1, detected by Norwegian authorities in four Arctic foxes. Like H5N1, it has already shown the ability to infect carnivorous mammals.
Does avian flu pose a risk to humans in Italy?
Not at present: the July 2026 episodes in Australia and Norway involve distant contexts, and international health authorities describe the risk to the general population as low. Risk to humans remains mainly linked to direct occupational exposure to infected animals.
Why does the species jump into mammals worry experts?
Because mammals are genetically closer to humans than birds: an infection in a mammal represents an additional opportunity for the virus to acquire mutations potentially compatible with more efficient transmission between mammals, including humans — a scenario that has not occurred so far.
How is international avian flu surveillance evolving?
Bodies such as EFSA in Europe and national health authorities constantly monitor cases in wild birds, domestic poultry, and mammals, paying particular attention to cases involving new species or contexts, such as the Australian and Norwegian episodes of July 2026.
What should Italian farms do at this stage?
Maintain the biosecurity standards already required under national regulations (access control, manure management, health monitoring), with particular attention during periods of greater migratory bird movement.
