Wildlife authorities are on high alert after a giant petrel showing potential symptoms of the deadly H5 avian influenza was rescued from Noosa Main Beach by a handler in a hazmat suit.

Wildlife Noosa's Will Watson joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to detail the bio-secure rescue of an exhausted, circling petrel from the surf breakers and warned the public never to touch distressed marine birds

The bird is currently isolated in strict quarantine at Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue while officials anxiously await test results that could confirm Queensland's first official case.