H7 Avian influenza (bird flu)
The last detection of H7 Avian influenza (or bird flu) in the ACT was in early July 2024.
Australia has confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild birds in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
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.
H7 bird flu is a high pathogenicity (HPAI) strain of bird flu. Bird flu is a serious disease of poultry, and can cause a high mortality rate in production birds.
To learn more about symptoms and how to reduce your risk visit the Avian influenza page or visit the H5 Avian influenza page to learn more about that strain.
2024 detection of H7 in the ACT
From June to November 2024, the ACT responded to a detection of High Pathogenicity Avian influenza (HPAI) strain H7N8 in a commercial poultry enterprise in the ACT. The last detection of H7N8 bird flu in the ACT was in early July 2024.
On Friday 1 November 2024, the quarantine areas were removed and there is no longer any restriction on the movement of birds and other materials, objects and equipment in any area in the ACT.
Movement controls and quarantine area may still be in place in other parts of Australia. Visit Outbreak.gov.au to learn more.
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.