Human health and H5 bird flu

H5 bird flu mostly affects birds but does spread to other animals. Rarely, it can also infect people.

While the risk is low, it’s useful to know the signs of disease. And if your mental health is being affected, there is help you can seek.

If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds or other animals, report it. Call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

A young boy looking through binoculars
 

H5 bird flu in humans

The risk of H5 bird flu in people remains low.

H5 bird flu does not easily spread to people. No infections of this strain have been reported in people here.

Follow the latest advice and current status via Australia’s Centre for Disease Control.

See more on H5 bird flu and human health.

Mental health support

We acknowledge that news of disease outbreaks can cause concern, stress or anxiety for some people.

Mental health and wellbeing can be affected by concerns about the health and welfare of animals, the environment, the livelihoods and local communities, or by experiences of previous public health emergencies.

It is normal to experience feelings of worry, grief, or stress during events with significant public attention.

Stay connected with family, friends and community. Access information from trusted sources. This can help you manage uncertainty and stay informed.

If you or someone you know is feeling worried, distressed or overwhelmed, seek support.

Seek 24-7 support from:

Medicare Mental Health provides free, confidential support. You don’t need a referral or appointment.

They are available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (except public holidays). 

To access support:

Advice for handling of sick or dead birds

H5 bird flu rarely spreads from animals to people, but it can happen through close contact with infected birds or other animals (alive or dead) or, through contact with places or things that infected birds or animals have contaminated.

The risk to human health of H5 bird flu remains low. However, avoiding contact with sick or dead animals is the best protection.

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them or get close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Do not bring sick or dead birds or other animals indoors.

If contact with a sick or dead bird or other animal is unavoidable:

  • keep children and pets away
  • consider your physical safety, particularly before handling sick animals
  • keep any contact brief 
  • do not touch with bare hands
  • wear well-fitted personal protective equipment (PPE) and use a no touch method to move the animal, such as a blanket or thick towel
  • if you become unwell within 10 days, call a health care professional and tell them about your contact with the sick or dead birds or other animals.

Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after removing each PPE item and after cleaning up, or, if your hands are visibly clean, you can use alcohol based hand rub.

Wear PPE

  • waterproof disposable gloves (such as kitchen gloves) – if unavailable, a plastic bag fully covering each
  • if handling a sick animal, also wear heavy work gloves to protect yourself from scratches and bites, if appropriate.
  • long-sleeved clothing
  • a P2/N95 respirator or surgical mask. If neither is available, a cloth mask may be used.
  • eye protection, such as safety goggles/glasses – if unavailable, use sunglasses or spectacles.

Don’t touch your face until you have removed your PPE and washed your hands.

Taking off PPE

  • remove PPE while outdoors and only touch the cleanest part of each item
  • wash your hands after removing each PPE item
  • remove gloves first and remove eye protection and mask last
  • put disposable PPE in a sealed bag in your outdoor general waste bin
  • before going inside, take off your shoes for cleaning.

Clean up while you’re outdoors

  • wear clean, waterproof gloves while cleaning and disinfecting PPE and other items
  • remove visible soiling with water and household detergent, then disinfect with a product that is effective against viruses (such as bleach) – always follow the manufacturer instructions
  • discard gloves and cleaning sponges in a sealed leakproof bag, place in your outdoor general waste bin and wash your hands
  • wash your clothes with regular laundry detergent on a hot setting.

Protecting yourself if transporting a sick bird or other animal in a vehicle is necessary

Transporting sick birds or animals is not encouraged, but if this is unavoidable:

  • contain the animal in a ventilated secure box – for example, a cardboard box with holes
  • wear a P2/N95 respirator or surgical mask and, if possible, clean clothes
  • keep the animal as far away as possible from you during transport – for example, in the tray of a ute, boot or rear footwell / backseat of a vehicle
  • if the animal is inside the car, keep the windows open - if this is not possible, use the car’s fresh air setting (do not use the recirculation setting).

If you need to dispose of a dead bird or other animal on your property

In the bin:

  • put a bag over your gloved hand or use a shovel
  • carefully place the dead animal in a leakproof bag
  • tie the bag securely
  • put the first bag into another one so you are double bagging the dead animal
  • tie the bag securely
  • put the bag in an outdoor general waste bin (red lid, not recycling or garden waste).

Burying in the ground:

  • bury in a hole at least 60 cm deep that is away from your house, pets, gardens and water sources
  • use a shovel or other tool to gently lift the dead animal, and soil it is touching
  • gently place the dead animal into the pit
  • bury immediately
  • do not bury the dead wildlife in a plastic bag. 

Check your local council or state or territory government website for further guidance about disposing of dead animals.

Find out more: View and download our safe handling resources.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.