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Pest profile: High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) update

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14 September 2023

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease of birds and can affect most wild and domesticated bird species. HPAI viruses are a subset of all avian influenza strains that are identified by certain molecular markers that are associated with the ability to cause severe disease and mortality, usually in poultry.

HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is the predominant strain causing the outbreaks globally in the last 12-24 months. Australia and Antarctica are the only continents remaining free of this virus. Outbreaks caused by this strain have different characteristics to historical outbreaks caused by other strains, including:

  • increased frequency and duration
  • increased geographic distribution
  • outbreaks persisting through previously low-risk seasons
  • unpreceded number of countries affected
    • More than 70 countries notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of HPAI outbreaks since October 2021.
  • unprecedented impacts on wild birds
    • estimates of millions of wild bird deaths, and potential threat to the recovery of the endangered California condor.
  • unprecedented losses in poultry
    • Over 55 million birds affected in the United States in 2022-23 (USDA 2023).
    • Over 45 million birds culled in affected establishments in Europe, with ongoing outbreaks (EFSA 2022).

There have also been increasing reports of infection in mammals, including at least 24 species of terrestrial and aquatic mammals that feed on or live in close association with birds. Sporadic human infections have also been reported, but there is no evidence that the virus has evolved to transmit efficiently between humans.

Australia is free from HPAI in accordance with international standards.

Some migratory shorebirds pass through affected regions in Asia or could be exposed to the strain of current concern in the northern hemisphere. Historically, there have been only rare introductions of new strains of avian influenza to Australia, and historical outbreaks in poultry have been of Australian strains.

The overall risk of HPAI being introduced to Australia by migratory wild birds has previously been considered low. However, the global situation and the increased intercontinental movement of the current strain of concern means that the likelihood of HPAI arriving in Australia via wild bird movements has potentially increased. Ongoing, collective monitoring, vigilance and preparedness remain critical in protecting Australia’s poultry industries, biodiversity and natural environments.

Map of Global distribution of avian influenza viruses with zoonotic potential observed since 1 October 2022 reported to the FAO as a disease event (FAO 2023).
Global distribution of avian influenza viruses with zoonotic potential observed since 1 October 2022 reported to the FAO as a disease event (FAO 2023). Credit: FAO

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Page last updated: 14 September 2023

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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