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.
The Federal government has announced that a migratory Brown Skua in southwest Western Australia has returned a suspected positive result for avian influenza. A second bird, a Giant Petrel, found in the area is also being tested.
If these cases are confirmed as H5 bird flu (H5N1), this would mean the virus has arrived on the Australian continent for the first time. H5 bird flu (H5N1, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza) is an infectious disease that can affect wild, farmed and pet birds.
Large-scale outbreaks of H5 bird flu (H5N1) have killed millions of wild birds and tens of thousands of mammals around the world. Until now, Australia and New Zealand have remained free of the virus.
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. BirdLife Australia has consistently advocated for robust monitoring and preparedness ahead of an outbreak.
We are watching this development closely and seeking further information. We will keep you updated as more details emerge.
Follow these three steps. Do not approach the animal.
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.
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.
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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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.
