H5 Avian influenza (bird flu)
Australia has confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wildlife however H5 bird flu has not been detected in poultry or our agricultural system. H5 bird flu has not been detected in the ACT.
Early detection is critical and Canberrans are encouraged to remain vigilant. If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife:
- avoid direct contact(do not touch sick or dead birds) and keep pets away
- record what you see and where
- report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or by filling out the smart form Report sick or dead wild birds.
ACT and NSW share an Emergency Animal Disease call centre who triage and distribute calls to appropriate authorities.
What is H5 bird flu
H5 bird flu is a highly infectious strain of avian influenza that is more contagious than other types of bird flu. It can infect a wide range of animals, including wild and domestic birds, mammals, and in rare cases, people. Because of its highly contagious nature, H5 bird flu is unlikely to be contained within a single area, region or state.
The virus primarily spreads between birds through direct contact with infected birds or indirectly through contaminated environments, including water, feed and surfaces. Scavenging birds and mammals can become infected by eating infected carcasses. Domestic pets such as cats and dogs may be affected by H5 bird flu if they come into direct contact with, or consume, infected birds. While the risk of infection in pets remains low, cats appear to be more susceptible to infection and severe disease than dogs, with infections in dogs considered less likely.
Signs of H5 bird flu
Animals infected with the virus may show no signs of illness, severe symptoms, or die suddenly. Bird flu often affects several or all birds in a flock.
Signs of H5 bird flu include (but are not limited to):
- sudden death
- lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
- respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
- swelling and purple discoloration of the head, comb, wattles and neck
- diarrhoea
- unusual head or neck posture, incoordination, inability to walk, stand or fly
- unusual reduction in egg production (poultry).
How to protect your pets and backyard chickens
Bird flu can spread easily through the movement of sick birds, and on contaminated boots, vehicles, clothing and equipment. To help protect your birds, pets and local wildlife:
- restrict any pet birds’ access to wild birds
- practise good hygiene when handling pet birds
- clean clothing, overalls and footwear thoroughly after interacting with birds
- wash and disinfect equipment, including cages, after transporting or handling birds
- keep pets away from sick or dead birds and other wildlife
- keep dogs on a leash, particularly in areas where wildlife is present
- keep cats contained.
Feeding wild birds and home bird baths
Do not feed wild birds. Feeding wild birds can increase the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, by bringing birds together that wouldn't normally mix. This increases the risk of disease spreading through droppings, water and shared surfaces.
You can still have a bird bath in your backyard, but it is important to:
- regularly clean and disinfect bird baths and water containers
- refresh water frequently and keep it clean
- consider offering multiple bird baths to reduce congregations of birds in one spot
- wash your hands after handling bird baths, water containers or other bird equipment.
- keep pets away from wildlife and areas where wildlife gather.
Food safety and human health
Bird flu in humans is very rare. The Australian Centre for Disease Control currently advises that the risk to people in Australia is low. The risk of becoming infected through normal contact with healthy birds is considered very low.
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand advise that bird flu is not a food safety risk for poultry meat, eggs and egg products if they are handled and cooked correctly.
ACT Biosecurity continues to work with ACT Poultry/egg producers to improve their biosecurity measures on farm to better protect their operations against impacts bird flu.
For health advice about bird flu, including mental health support visit:
- Health and Community Services avian influenza information
- Australian Centre for Disease Control bird flu page
Frequently asked questions
Q. How does H5 impact our native species and wildlife?
H5 bird flu has caused large outbreaks overseas, leading to the deaths of many wild birds and animals. In Australia, there is evidence of the virus spreading among some wild birds, with cases also detected in some mammals. Based on overseas experience, there may be more cases in Australian wildlife over time. While H5 bird flu cannot be eradicated from wildlife, governments and experts are continuing to monitor the situation, improve understanding of its impacts on wildlife populations, and support measures to minimise its effects where possible.
Q. What is the ACT Government doing?
The ACT Government is working closely with other governments across Australia to monitor and respond to H5 bird flu.
ACT Biosecurity investigates reports of sick or dead animals, promotes good biosecurity practices, and has plans in place to monitor disease risks in wildlife and respond quickly to outbreaks.
Surveillance and testing efforts have been increased, particularly during periods when migratory birds are present.
ACT Biosecurity is also working with government staff, community groups and volunteers to raise awareness of the signs of bird flu. Early detection helps authorities respond quickly and reduce the risk of the virus spreading to people and animals.
Q. What is the Australian Government doing? Is there a national vaccination program?
Australia is taking a coordinated national approach to respond to H5 bird flu. State and territory governments are leading surveillance and response activities, while the Australian Government is coordinating efforts across the country to help reduce the impacts on wildlife, agriculture and communities.
Australia has also developed a national vaccination approach for some of the most vulnerable native bird species. Vaccination may be used to help protect priority birds in captive or managed populations, building on vaccine trials and preparedness work carried out over recent years. However, because wild birds move freely across large areas, vaccination is generally limited to selected captive or managed populations and cannot be used to vaccinate wild bird populations at a broad scale. Vaccination can provide an extra layer of protection for individual birds, but it is only one part of the response. Ongoing surveillance, strong biosecurity measures and reducing contact between wild birds and vulnerable species remain essential to help limit the spread and impacts of H5 bird flu.
Resources
- Resources for protecting your backyard poultry: Protecting domestic poultry and birds from emergency animal diseases
- Resources for vets: Vets and bird flu page
- Resources for poultry and livestock farmers:Poultry and other farmers page
- Resources for wildlife carers: the Wildlife and bird flu page