Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Most people are not at risk of bird flu. Bird flu rarely spreads from birds to humans, and very rarely spreads from person-to-person.

While rare in humans, people at higher risk of getting bird flu include those who have close contact with birds (and their respiratory secretions, faeces (droppings) or other body fluids), such as poultry or wildlife workers.

People who travel to countries with bird flu outbreaks and have contact with sick birds or other animals are also at higher risk.

For more information about human influenza - please see our Influenza webpage.

People should avoid contact with sick or dead birds or other animals. If you find multiple sick or dead birds, you should:

• Avoid contact - don't touch, and keep children and pets away
• Record what you see (taking a photo or video of the animal and your location, if safe to do so and;
• Report unusual patterns of sick or dead birds to Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24/7) or via this online form
  
  • Report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species
  • Report even one single sick or dead wild seabird/waterbird/shorebird/bird of prey (e.g. eagles, hawks) or marine mammal (seal, sea lion)

If the dead bird or wildlife is on your land, see the Agriculture Victoria - Managing dead birds and wildlife on your land webpage.

People who work in places with close contact with poultry or sick birds and other animals should follow the appropriate steps to avoid infection. This includes good hygiene practices and the use of personal protective equipment such as P2/N95 respirator mask, goggles, gloves and protective clothing.

Workers are also strongly advised to get the seasonal flu vaccine each year.

Visit the Australian Centre for Disease Control - Bird flu toolkit for people who work with birds for more information.

Poultry and bird owners should take practical steps now to reduce the chance of their birds making contact with wild birds, wild bird droppings or contaminated water.

Visit Agriculture Victoria - Avian influenza information for backyard poultry owners for more information.

While the risk of cats and dogs becoming infected with H5 bird flu is extremely low, pet owners should take extra precaution not to let pets eat or touch sick or dead animals and wildlife. 
If your pet gets sick after interacting with wild birds, keep them away from children and other animals and contact your vet. 

For practical steps to keep pets and other animals away from dead wildlife see Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - Prepare pets and wildlife for H5 bird flu for more information.

To date there is no evidence of human transmission of the H5N1 virus through ingestion of contaminated water. Surface water bodies used by infected wild or migratory birds are the most likely source of environmental contamination.

While the risk of human infection from ingesting contaminated water is considered low, caution is warranted. Avoid using potentially contaminated water on produce intended for raw consumption and assess the suitability of water for domestic or agricultural use where contamination is suspected. Where recent animal mortality events (e.g. bird die-offs) have occurred, regardless of the cause, it is advised to: 

• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds
• Avoid swallowing or bathing in affected water bodies
• Refrain from activities like swimming, fishing or boating in contaminated areas
• Practice good hygiene, especially through handwashing after contact with wild bird habitats.

H5N1 is effectively inactivated by heat and standard water disinfection methods. Current water treatment systems are considered sufficient to manage the risk. For more information see H5 bird flu and water sources.

Prior to travelling overseas, check for any notices or recommendations on Smartraveller and from the Australian Centre for Disease Control - Bird flu (avian influenza). 

Getting your seasonal flu vaccination is strongly recommended. It reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill if you are exposed to both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time.

Importantly, protecting people with the seasonal influenza vaccine also reduces the chances that people may become infected with both seasonal flu and bird viruses at the same time. If people become infected with bird flu and human flu at the same time, there is a chance of flu strains mixing together to create new viruses that can spread more readily in humans.

See your doctor if you develop flu-like symptoms after recently returning from a country or area with bird flu outbreaks, or after having contact with sick or dead birds or animals.  Wear a mask and call ahead to advise them you’ve been exposed to sick or dead birds or animals.

Symptoms of H5 bird flu are like seasonal flu (fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and respiratory symptoms) and may include conjunctivitis (sore red eyes).

If you think you might have been exposed to bird flu, contact your Local Public Health Unit for advice. 

It is normal for people to have strong emotional or physical reactions to distressing events. Animal disease outbreaks affect different community members in different ways. 

If you feel overwhelmed, it is important to ask for help. Encourage friends and family to seek help too.  

Where to get help:  

• Talk to your general practitioner (GP), mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor or social worker. 
• Contact your local Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub. 
• In an emergency where there is immediate risk of harm to a person, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Impact on children 

Children react to distressing events in different ways. It is important to be understanding about changes in their behaviour. Seeing a sick, injured or dead animal may be a distressing event.  

• A child’s response to a distressing event can depend on their age, their personality and how those around them are reacting.  
• Talk to them about the distressing event. It is important to tell them the facts, in a way that they can understand for their age. 
• Let them know you would like to hear about how they are feeling. Listen to them and take their concerns and feelings seriously.  

More information and resources (in English and 35 other languages) is available on the Better Health Channel:  

• Trauma and children – tips for parents and carers | Better Health Channel. 
• Better Health Channel Trauma – help for your reaction and recovery | Better Health Channel. 

Healthcare professionals should consider avian influenza H5N1 in patients who present with influenza-like illness AND who have had contact with sick or dead birds or animals (either overseas or in Australia).

Collect a nasopharyngeal or nose and throat swab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and collect additional swabs based on symptoms. Clearly specify that samples are for testing of avian influenza. Samples should be collected while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and in a negative pressure room if available.    

See the Chief Health Officer Alert from 31 July for clinical guidance.

Medical practitioners and pathology services must notify any suspected or confirmed cases immediately to the department of health by calling 1300 651 160 (24/7) and connecting to the relevant Local Public Health Unit. Local Public Health Unit will advise on appropriate testing for avian influenza, if required.