Avian influenza (bird flu)

What is bird flu?

Bird flu is a viral disease of birds and is found across the globe. It mainly affects birds, but can also affect other animals, and, on rare occasions, humans.

H5 bird flu, specifically high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is a serious and highly contagious strain that has moved quickly around the world. Australia is currently the only continent free from this strain of H5 bird flu.

Wild, farmed and pet birds can catch bird flu. Overseas, other animals have become infected by this strain of H5 bird flu. These were mainly marine mammals and bird-eating scavengers but cases have been detected in dairy cattle, cats, goats, alpacas and pigs.

A number of human infections of the H5 bird flu strain of concern have been reported overseas. The majority have resulted in mild respiratory symptoms but there have been some severe cases. Most infected people had close contact with infected animals and contaminated environments. The likelihood of humans becoming infected is low as current strains of H5 bird flu circulating overseas do not appear to transmit easily to or between humans.

What we’re doing

While bird flu preparedness activities have been a national focus for many years, H5 bird flu has spread quickly across the world through the movement of wild birds.

We are preparing for a possible outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australia and working collaboratively with state and territory governments, industries and the non-government sector to enhance preparedness and national response capabilities.

Overseas outbreaks show that H5 bird flu would have significant impacts on our wildlife and agriculture industry, especially poultry, and communities if it reaches Australia.

First Nations communities may be uniquely impacted, particularly in relation to traditional hunting practices, culturally significant species and land use. Consider sites and species of importance in your local area.

Government actions are focused on preparing for an outbreak and supporting biodiversity, the industries, other sectors and communities that would be affected.

Funding

In recognition of the H5 bird flu threat, the Australian Government is investing more than $100 million into enhancing national preparedness and response capability.

This funding will strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability and mitigate the impacts of a potential H5 bird flu outbreak on Australian agriculture, environment and human health.

Surveillance in wild birds

Preparation for this emergency animal disease has been a national focus for many years through activities including the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program (NAIWB) and Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS).

Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) manages a National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program that collects and tests samples from healthy wild birds. In collaboration with Deakin University, WHA has developed the AviFluMap. This important tool gathers information about bird movements, birds at risk of disease, and bird flu outbreaks worldwide. You can access the AviFluMap tool here.

Over the last three years, NAQS has expanded its bird flu surveillance network across northern Australia, partnering with Indigenous rangers, Torres Strait Biosecurity Officers, and Commonwealth agencies such as Parks Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology. Indigenous rangers play a vital role, using their deep knowledge of Country to monitor wildlife and detect early signs of disease. The data gathered from these collaborations strengthens the national response, supporting the work of NAIWB to protect Australia’s environment, agriculture, and cultural heritage.

See more on the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program

Native black and white bird standing in long green grass

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Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy NAQS

Disclaimer
This animation may upset some viewers because it can impact totems, birds of cultural significance, and the health of Country.

One day off the coast of Northern Australia, a group of friends are fishing. Not far off, Jim notices a shore bird struggling, then wobbling and finally it collapses to the ground.

Jim jumps up to get a closer look, but Pam stops him, telling him that that bird may have a highly infectious virus called Avian Influenza. Seeing Jim's surprise, Pam explains that the birds migrating between countries can carry the Avian Influenza virus.

Lately, a nasty strain of this virus has been causing trouble globally affecting chickens, wild birds, and other animals, including mammals such as dolphins and seals. Luckily, Australia doesn't have the strains, but there is a risk migratory birds could bring in the virus.

Jim and his friends learn that people occasionally catch the virus from handling infected birds. To stay safe, Pam advises, they keep their distance and avoid contact with sick birds. Avian influenza may look like one sick or dead bird, or many.

It affects ducks, migratory shore birds, sea birds, birds of prey, and domestic birds like chickens. The group soon notices more sick birds, some wobbling others already lying down. Alarmed, they ask Pam what to do next.

She tells them too, Avoid! Record! Report!

Avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Record the time, date, location of the sighting. If you can, take some photos or videos, and report to the relevant authorities as soon as possible.

You can also report your findings to a ranger, biosecurity officer, government vet, or trusted adult.

Let's help protect Australia from the Avian Influenza virus, so keep a TopWatch! and report any unusual signs or behaviours in wildlife, including any sick birds or increasing number of bird deaths in the area.

Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

This animation was made possible by the Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy.

Biosecurity is everyone’s business.

Role of Indigenous rangers

Indigenous rangers play a crucial role in biosecurity in northern Australia.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program (IRBP), helps build biosecurity capability and capacity by engaging Indigenous rangers through fee-for-service arrangements to undertake biosecurity activities including early detection surveillance, monitoring and communication related to H5 bird flu.

The Australian Government collaborates with other state and territory governments, and conservation partners to prepare for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu. Efforts include supporting site-specific and species-specific preparedness and response planning, particularly within Commonwealth-managed estates like national parks.

Indigenous rangers are integral to these biosecurity efforts. Their on-ground presence and traditional knowledge of Country enhance Australia's ability to detect and respond to biosecurity threats, including bird flu, where the disease may enter our country through unregulated risk pathways like the migration of birds.

See more on the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program

Report sick birds and animals

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them. If there are multiple dead birds or other animals, take photos or a video, record your location and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

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Avian influenza and your backyard

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a disease carried by wild birds that can cause severe disease in poultry.

There are many strains of the virus, including the H5 strain that’s caused mass poultry deaths overseas.

Australia does not have this strain.

Avian influenza can be carried by wild birds such as ducks, geese, and swans.

If wild birds mix with our backyard poultry and pet birds, the virus can spread to them.

If you own or work with any type of poultry or birds, look for health changes in your birds.

The signs of avian influenza are similar to other bird diseases, so always check with your vet if you notice something unusual.

Look out for:

single or several birds suddenly dying
diarrhoea
birds eating or drinking less
unusual reduction in egg production
birds sneezing or looking unwell.

There are simple things you can do to help protect your birds.

Don’t feed wild birds or encourage them to mix with your poultry or pet birds.

Use netting to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds.

Clean your birds’ housing and equipment regularly and don’t share it with other bird owners.

If you bring in new birds, keep them separate and monitor them for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing flock.

If your poultry are free range, monitor them daily for signs of disease.

Be ready to house your birds separately if they show signs of illness.

Avian influenza does not easily spread to people, and it’s a low risk to the public, but it’s still important to maintain good hygiene around poultry and pet birds.

Avoid touching sick or dead birds, or if you need to touch them, wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

Always wash your hands after handling birds, eggs and equipment.

Clothes and shoes should be washed after visiting a bird show, aviary, or chicken run.

If you see sick or dead birds, contact your vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Learn the facts about bird flu and how to protect your birds at agriculture.gov.au/birdflu

What you can do to help

You can help protect our wild birds and poultry industry against bird flu.

Be safe when entering wildlife areas and keep your distance if you see sick or dead birds.
Always wash your hands with soap before and after handling birds.
Commercial producers and those working with poultry need to use effective on-farm biosecurity and hygiene measures to protect your birds from disease.
- National biosecurity manuals are at farmbiosecurity.com.au
People with pet birds or back yard chickens should take steps to protect their birds.
- Don’t let wild birds have any contact with kept birds or let wild birds access feed and water containers.
- Keep aviaries and equipment clean.
Wildlife carers should have a biosecurity plan in place. Injured or sick birds in care should not mingle with any pet birds. Also, keep aviaries and animal handling equipment clean, including bedding. Wildlife Health Australia has a free online toolkit for people who care for wildlife.
Consider joining local bird-watching groups or use platforms such as the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, Birdata, iNaturalist or NatureMapr to record bird and wildlife observations. Bird and wildlife observations from these platforms are aggregated by the Atlas of Living Australia into one platform and can serve as a general surveillance tool. This contributes to a better understanding of bird health and population trends across the country. Sick or dead animals should be reported to the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888.

What to expect if H5 bird flu comes to Australia

Australia has well-established national response arrangements in place to respond to emergency animal diseases, including bird flu.

If Australia experiences an outbreak of H5 bird flu, there will be a rapid and coordinated national response led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), with state and territory governments leading response activities within their borders.

Australian Government departments, state and territory governments, sector partners, communities and businesses will work together to manage an outbreak and provide support to affected industries. Early detection and working together is important.

DAFF will also manage international reporting obligations and work with relevant trading partners to minimise trade disruptions in affected commodities where possible.

Health information

Domestic poultry and bird owners

Veterinarians

Commercial poultry producers

Wildlife carers and hunters

What the Australian Government is doing

Planning and resources

Bird flu preparedness activities have been a national focus for many years. These references and tools give useful information about planning and response arrangements for bird flu.

About us

This is a joint initiative by the Australian Government. It provides information on and raises awareness about bird flu and preparedness and response arrangements in Australia.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra