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Department of Agriculture

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  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Pests, diseases and weeds
  4. Animal pests and diseases
  5. Avian Influenza or Bird Flu
  6. Human health information

Sidebar first - Pests diseases weeds

  • Avian influenza (bird flu)
    • Facts about avian influenza
    • Domestic poultry and birds
    • Human health
    • Government action
    • Commercial poultry producers
    • Contact with wildlife
    • Information for veterinarians

Human health information

How humans are infected

Human infections of avian influenza (bird flu) are rare, and the current risk to the Australian population remains very low.

Even in countries with large H5 bird flu outbreaks in many animals, human cases to date of the H5 bird flu strain of concern have been rare, and symptoms generally mild.

When there have been human cases, they typically occurred after someone had close contact with sick birds, livestock, or contaminated environments.

Most bird flu strains do not spread easily from animals to people.

People do not get infected with bird flu by eating chicken meat and eggs if they are properly cooked.

If bird flu becomes a significant threat to our human population, the Australian Government will activate the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza. The plan provides direction for all jurisdiction agencies and emergency services to manage the threat.

Stay safe while travelling overseas

Talk with your doctor as part of your routine pre-travel health checks before departing on overseas travel.

While travelling overseas, avoid contact with live birds, including chickens, geese and ducks on farms and in marketplaces.

Avoid contact with sick or dead wild or domestic birds and practice good hygiene.

Only eat properly cooked poultry and eggs. Cooking destroys the virus in poultry and eggs.

While travelling, it is recommended you regularly check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Bulletin. Also check specific travel advice for information about any change to countries and regions you are visiting.

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Page last updated: 12 December 2024

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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