Queensland has detected its first suspected case of H5 bird flu.

A dead petrel found washed up on Moreton Island has returned a suspected positive result for H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries said on Friday.

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The bird was discovered by Parks and Wildlife Service workers, with samples sent to the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for further testing and final confirmation.

If confirmed, it would mark Queensland’s first case of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza.

The department said there have been no detections of bird flu in native birds or poultry in Queensland, nor any large-scale animal deaths linked to the virus.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said it remained safe to eat chicken meat and eggs, encouraging Queenslanders to continue buying poultry products as normal.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett has urged Queenslanders not to panic. Credit: 7NEWS

However, residents have been urged to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report any sightings immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

“From a state perspective, we’ve been preparing for this for some time,” Perrett said.

“The Crisafulli Government remains focused on supporting the poultry industry during this time.

“We’ve strengthened our preparedness measures and continue to work closely with industry to ensure Queensland is ready. 

“The Queensland Department of Primary Industries will continue to keep the community informed as updates are available.” 

There are currently 17 confirmed cases of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza in wild birds across Australia — 10 in Western Australia, five in South Australia and two in New South Wales.

Confirmation of the Queensland result is expected to take several days. If verified, it would bring the national total to 18.