Avian influenza (bird flu)
Australia has confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild birds. There are multiple confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in Australia.
This is the first time this global strain has been found in Australia. There are no signs that it has spread to other wildlife or livestock such as poultry. The risk to people in Australia is low, and the country is well prepared to respond if needed.
For more information, visit birdflu.gov.au.
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a highly contagious viral disease of birds.
Bird flu can affect many bird species including wild birds (especially waterbirds or shorebirds), domestic poultry, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants, emus and ostriches.
Bird flu virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI). Most LPAI strains of bird flu virus cause minimal disease in wild birds and poultry. However, some LPAI strains can evolve into HPAI strains when they spread.
Bird flu can be spread from wild birds to domestic chickens or other birds by either direct contact with infected birds or through in-direct contact such as contaminated pasture, water or feed. The virus can survive in bird droppings, respiratory secretions, water, feathers, eggs and meat.
Signs of bird flu in birds
Birds infected with the virus can show a range of signs from no obvious signs to sudden death.
Signs of bird flu include (but are not limited to):
- sudden death
- breathing difficulties
- swelling and purple discoloration of the head, comb, wattles and neck
- coughing, sneezing, or rasping respiration
- nervous behaviour.
For more information about the disease in birds read the Facts about bird flu page on the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) website.
Things you can do to reduce the risk to your birds
Whether you’re a commercial producer, only keep a few chickens in your backyard, or have pet birds, biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
Bird flu is very easily transmitted by moving sick birds, as well as on contaminated boots, vehicles and equipment if adequate biosecurity measures are not practiced.
ACT community members with backyard birds are strongly encouraged to restrict their birds access to wild birds. Other actions you can take are:
- practice good hygiene
- make sure clothing (overalls and footwear) are cleaned thoroughly after interacting with birds, and
- wash and disinfect equipment including cages thoroughly if they are used to transport or handle birds.
To learn more about appropriate biosecurity practices and farm hygiene visit the:
- Protecting domestic poultry and birds from emergency animal diseases page on the DAFF website.
- Poultry Hub Australia factsheet on biosecurity and disease prevention.
- NSW DPI Backyard chickens fact sheet which has simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of disease entering or spreading among your chickens.
What to do if your bird is sick or you suspect bird flu
- Backyard poultry and pet birds: If your bird is unwell call your veterinarian for advice.
- Wild birds and animals: If you observe unusual signs of disease or abnormal behaviour consistent with bird flu in a flock of wild birds, or unexplained deaths of multiple birds in an area you should:
- Limit any contact with sick or dead wildlife
- Record what you see, and
- Report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or ACT Biosecurity by emailing ACTBiosecurity@act.gov.au.
Impact on humans
The spread of bird flu from birds to people is rare but may occur with certain strains of the virus if there is close contact with infected birds and their droppings.
People cannot get infected with bird flu by eating cooked eggs or chicken meat.
For health advice about bird flu, visit: