H5 bird flu (H5N1, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza) is an infectious disease that can affect wild, farmed and pet birds. The virus has now been detected in Australia, with outbreaks occurring in both birds and mammals. Please follow the steps Avoid, Record and Report if you suspect H5 bird flu in wildlife. This resource page will help you stay informed and up to date.
As H5 bird flu continues to spread the community may start to see increasing numbers of sick and dead birds. While this can be sad to see, if the birds or other animals are on public land, please follow the steps of Avoid, Record and Report – to minimise spread of the virus and to keep people safe.
● AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not touch, move or approach the bird, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife. ● RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video (if possible) without approaching the bird. ● REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Some states and territories online EAD report forms are available – these have an advantage as photos or videos to assist with species identification can be uploaded.
Reports to the EAD hotline of dead or sick birds are carefully assessed according to risk of H5 bird flu. This may lead to a site visit and sampling. Not all reports will require testing or collection of birds.
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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. In some states and territories online EAD report forms are available – these have an advantage as photos or videos to assist with species identification can be uploaded
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, 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 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.
