India, Feb. 20 -- Gentoo penguins confirmed infected with H5N1 on Heard Island

First recorded bird infections in an Australian territory

Virus also detected in southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals

No signs of mass wildlife deaths in surveyed areas

Government says national bird flu status remains unchanged

Gentoo penguins have become the first bird species confirmed to be infected with H5 avian influenza on an Australian territory, after testing positive on the sub-Antarctic Heard Island, the Australian government has confirmed.

The virus has also been detected in southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals on the remote island. The update follows confirmation in November 2025 that southern elephant seals had contracte...