H5 Avian influenza (bird flu)
Australia has confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.
H5 bird flu has not been detected in the ACT.
Detections remain limited to wild birds and 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.
H5 Avian influenza (bird flu) is a strain of bird flu that has spread globally to all continents except Australia.
The ACT along with the other states and territories is preparing for the possibility that H5 bird flu could arrive in Australia.
Overseas outbreaks show that H5 bird flu is likely to significantly impact our wildlife and poultry industry if it reaches Australia. Government actions are focused on preparing for an outbreak including an increased focus on the environment, and supporting the industries, other sectors and communities that would be affected.
To learn more about symptoms and how to reduce your risk visit the Avian influenza page or visit the H7 Avian influenza page to learn more about that strain.
How H5 bird flu is different to other bird flu strains
H5 bird flu is different to other strains of bird flu because it is more contagious and has been found to infect a wide range of mammals including dairy cows and occasionally people.
As H5 bird flu is likely to be found first in wild birds, and it is a highly infectious strain, it is unlikely that the disease will be able to be contained to an area, region or state.
If birds in the ACT are infected with the virus, there is likely to be an increase in the number of sick and dead birds in backyards, public lands and waterways.
How H5 bird flu spreads
Bird flu generally spreads between birds by either direct contact or through in-direct contact such as contaminated environment, water or feed.
Scavenging birds and mammals can be infected with H5 bird flu by eating infected dead birds. Domestic cats and dogs could also become affected this way.
Dairy cattle in the USA have been infected with H5 bird flu through environmental contamination and then from cow-to-cow transmission.
Surveillance
ACT Biosecurity participate in the National Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Program which includes environmental testing in key locations across the country. Wild migratory birds will be returning to Australia during Spring and Summer, so during this high-risk period, surveillance efforts have been increased, with additional testing across the territory where migratory birds gather.
ACT Biosecurity has engaged with government staff, community and volunteer groups to ensure the ACT Community know and understand the signs and symptoms of bird flu.
Early detection of bird flu will enable a timely and coordinated response to limit the spread and unwanted exposure to humans and animals.
Native species and wildlife
Outbreaks of H5 bird flu overseas have led to extensive losses of poultry, and mass mortalities of wild birds and mammals.
Based on the level of impact in other countries, it is expected that an outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australia would have severe impacts on our wildlife and poultry industry.
National working groups are developing mitigation strategies to best manage wildlife and native species populations that may be impacted by this strain of bird flu.
Food safety and human health
Eggs and chicken meat are safe to eat provided they are handled and cooked as per standard food handling practices.
Mild human infections with H5 bird flu have been reported overseas. Most of these people had close contact with infected animals and contaminated environments. The likelihood of humans becoming infected is very low.
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.
- Report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or ACT Biosecurity by emailing ACTBiosecurity@act.gov.au or calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81.