H5 bird flu (H5N1, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza) is an infectious disease that can affect wild, farmed and pet birds. H5 bird flu is a nationally notifiable disease meaning if you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it. We hope this resource page helps you stay informed and prepared for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu.
An outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australian birds could be catastrophic, as one in six Australian birds are already facing the threat of extinction.
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Australia and New Zealand remain free of the virus. However, experts predict it could arrive here at any time of year via the spring migration of shorebirds or through seabird movements from the sub-Antarctic region. The recent detection of H5 bird flu in a Gentoo Penguin on Heard Island is a stark reminder that it could only be a matter of time before the virus arrives on the Australian continent.
If you notice any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately report it via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
BirdLife Australia is sharing extensive data and expertise with government and wildlife health authorities to assist their preparedness and planning. We are working to improve the resilience of wild populations of birds ahead of an outbreak, and we are keeping project teams and volunteers on the ground informed to boost surveillance of wild bird populations. Stay up to date via our newsroom.
A new collaborative online tool designed to support wildlife managers and biosecurity stakeholders in assessing and responding to the risk of H5 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in Australia’s wild bird populations has been released.
Download the Fact sheet here.
Download the AviFluMap online tool fact sheet here
Download and share here
All wild birds can contract H5 bird flu, below are a just a few of the species that may be susceptible in Australia.
