Watching for H5N1 Avian Influenza (bird flu) in Australia

An outbreak of H5N1 in Australian birds could be catastrophic. It can be expected to cause large numbers of birds becoming infected and dying. This could have disastrous consequences, as one in six Australian birds are already facing the threat of extinction. The additional threat of bird flu is therefore of great concern for bird conservationists and organisations like BirdLife Australia.

The impact of H5N1 can be particularly devastating in birds that have small populations and/or are restricted to a small number of locations – in some populations of birds overseas, outbreaks of H5N1 have caused over 50% of the species to be wiped out, including the Sandwich Tern in Europe and the Peruvian Pelican in South America.

H5N1 is also known to be deadly to other animals, including marine mammals such as seals. The sudden loss or reduction of any species is likely to have negative flow-on effects for the wider ecosystems they are a part of.

Conservation efforts are deployed to help species that are suffering from low or declining populations recover to healthier levels. H5N1 has the potential to decimate populations. In some cases, a drop in numbers could reduce a population of birds to a level that is no longer viable for that species to recover, leading to their extinction. An unmitigated outbreak could undo years of investment in threatened species recovery and set Australia back in its trajectory towards biodiversity targets.

All species of birds are potentially susceptible. Species that nest in colonies, particularly those that occur at only a few sites, are at the greatest risk because close contact helps the virus spread, and being restricted to a small number of locations means any outbreak will impact a large proportion of the population. In Australia, several species fit the profile of most concern, including the Christmas Island Frigatebird, Abbott’s Booby and Gould’s Petrel.

Birds which gather in high densities to feed or roost, and those which share habitats with several other species (typical of many shorebirds and waterbirds) have a greater chance of contracting and spreading the virus.

Birds of prey and other birds which scavenge on deceased animals also have a higher risk of encountering the virus due to their feeding habits, but they typically occur in lower densities and are therefore less likely to spread the virus outside their area.

Migratory shorebirds like the Red Knot, which move through infected regions, are at risk and could be carriers of H5N1. Many migratory shorebirds are already experiencing significant population declines and form large flocks that would enable the virus to spread through their population easily.

Like other viruses, H5N1 is spread by infected animals coming into contact with others. Close contact between birds, such as birds which nest colonially, is the most likely mechanism for the virus to spread quickly. As the virus appears in saliva and faeces, it can be transported easily in water, mud, sand and chicken litter.

Birds which regularly join mixed-species flocks in high densities and can travel long distances, like Freckled Ducks and Australian Pelicans, are at significant risk due to the potential for rapid transmission and spread over large areas within Australia.

Birds of prey can be infected by opportunistically feeding on the carcasses of infected birds or targeting prey species already weakened by an infection. Other pest animals, including invasive predators and rodents, may also spread the virus.

Yes, other strains of bird flu are already present in Australia. Recently, new detections of the H7 strain were detected in commercial poultry in NSW and Victoria and are being managed. These existing strains do not pose a serious threat to wild bird populations.

H5N1 is a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) which means it spreads more easily and is more deadly to birds and other wildlife than strains that are considered low pathogenicity (LPAIs). The H5N1 strain has had devastating impacts on wildlife overseas. As this is a new strain that Australian species are currently naïve to, there is no level of immunity already developed in populations of Australian birds.

H5N1 has been detected in all continents outside of Australia, including on the Antarctic Peninsula. The strain continues to be reported throughout East Asia, where testing is active. This is relevant to Australia, as many birds migrate to Australia via these locations as part of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF).

The Australian Centre for Disease Control states “most bird flu viruses don’t spread easily from animals to humans. Human infections are rare, and typically occur after close contact with sick birds and livestock or contaminated environments. Poultry workers are most at risk. The risk to Australians is very low.”

As human infections usually only occur from coming into contact with sick birds, simple measures to avoid this risk can be taken to greatly decrease the risk to human health, including keeping our distance, never handling sick or deceased birds, and reporting any suspected cases to the national Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For information on the risks to human health, please visit this Australian Government website https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/avian-influenza-in-humans-bird-flu or consult your doctor.

BirdLife Australia is sharing extensive data and expertise with government and wildlife health authorities to assist their preparedness and planning. We are keeping project teams and volunteers on the ground informed to boost surveillance of wild bird populations. We are also working with the appropriate authorities on communicating important information to the Australian community and utilising our connection with BirdLife International to share key learnings from overseas outbreaks.

BirdLife Australia sits on the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Steering Group and the Victorian Response Team led by Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to provide dynamic updates on notable wild bird movements and congregations.

We are continually in communication with the appropriate authorities and strictly adhere to expert guidance and emergency response protocols provided by Wildlife Health Australia.

BirdLife Australia is working with Wildlife Health Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, in collaboration with Deakin University and the University of NSW on a preparedness tool for health, poultry and conservation practitioners. This data-driven tool will be used to identify threat pathways (into Australia and onward spread) and points of sensitivity (for threatened bird communities and interactions between wild birds and poultry). This preparedness work will use data collected by BirdLife Australia, including Birdata and others on the movements and timing of migratory birds and congregations of waterbirds.

BirdLife Australia is also advocating for practical steps the Australian Government can take to mitigate the impact of an outbreak on Australian birds and other wildlife.

Wildlife Health Australia chairs the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance program, which monitors for suspected cases in wild bird populations .

Other actions by the Australian Government include quarantine and biosecurity measures that are outlined on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

No, BirdLife Australia believes the risk that H5N1 poses to biodiversity, in particular some of our most at-risk threatened and imperilled species, has not yet been adequately prepared for. We are advocating to the Australian Government that more needs to be done and we are actively pursuing more opportunities to contribute to greater preparedness planning.

BirdLife Australia is advocating for practical steps the Australian Government can take to mitigate the impact of an outbreak on Australian birds and other wildlife, including:

1. Establish a broader national wildlife taskforce, ensuring each state/territory government appoints a dedicated bird flu coordinator for wildlife responses.
2. Allocate increased wildlife-specific national funding that can be directed toward:
   1. Identifying and prioritising at-risk species and high-value sites, and urgently developing detailed response plans, including protocols for carcass removal
   2. Scaling up public communication and developing measures to prevent disturbance and virus transmission
   3. Undertaking vaccination trials, and identifying and funding other high priority research projects.

Yes, but this can only feasibly be provided to captive or closely managed populations. Overseas, 36,000 birds have been vaccinated in 250 zoos with very few adverse reactions. Although vaccination in the wild is more difficult, it has been done in the US and is being trialled in New Zealand, France, South Africa and elsewhere for threatened species.  The Australian Government is investigating the potential for the vaccination of wildlife, but no funding has been allocated for this.

BirdLife Australia generally advises strongly against feeding wild birds. Before and during an outbreak of bird flu, we can help birds with their social distancing by not feeding them. Although an outbreak is unlikely to appear first in urban birds, it is best to avoid feeding them anyway, as feeding brings them into close contact, increasing the likelihood of diseases being spread.

Yes. H5N1 is not yet present in Australia and generally only spreads to people who are in contact with sick birds. Watching birds and enjoying nature is safe (and good for you!).