Testing confirms Rockingham’s iconic Penguin Island so far untouched by H5 bird flu

Testing has confirmed Rockingham’s iconic Penguin Island is so far untouched by bird flu.

The island is part of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park off the coast of Rockingham and is home to a unique mix of birdlife, marine mammals and reptiles.

Rangers who regularly patrol Penguin Island Conservation Park have been keeping an eye out for signs of H5 bird flu in birds and animals.

Alarm bells rang when dead silver gulls were found on the island this week. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development biosecurity officer was called out to assist in taking samples.

The testing for H5 bird flu came back negative and so far there have been no positive cases on Penguin Island.

Riverpark and marine park co-ordinator Riley Carter from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said surveillance of the island included doing a full lap of the island, looking at sites where the big bird congregations are.

“In our surveillance we identified four silver gulls. Three were deceased ... and one silver gull that was alive but showing symptoms of what I would normally say botulism, but you get a lot of crossover between the symptoms of botulism and diseases like avian influenza,” he said.

He said the southern part of the island was a very important resting, breeding, and nesting habitat.

“We really want to increase the resilience of wildlife and the island in general. It’s a key site for migratory shore birds and just wildlife in general around the metro area,” he said.

Penguin Island is closed to the public for nesting season until mid-October.

The City of Rockingham is still waiting for the release of a final report from the Little Penguin Advisory Group.

The group was formed in 2024 to address a decline in the island’s penguin population. Its recommendations were expected by the end of last year.

Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn told the city in a letter in June he was waiting for advice from DBCA.

“I recognise the community’s strong interest in ensuring the long-term viability of this important population,” he wrote.

DBCA was contacted for comment on the status of the report.

Previous measures included extending the winter closure period to reduce disturbances to the penguins during critical breeding times, increased enforcement of the eight-knot vessel speed limit and closing the island when the forecast reached 35C or above.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins last week confirmed the first mass mortality of Australian wildlife from H5 bird flu in greater crested terns, found on an island off South Australia’s south-east coast.

Suspected cases of bird flu should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.