H5 Avian influenza preparedness

Current situation

High pathogenicity Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly infectious disease that can cause severe illness and death in birds. A global strain, known as H5N1 differs from previous avian influenza strains, as it not only causes substantial mortality in poultry but also can cause the deaths of large numbers of wild birds and some mammals.

H5 Avian influenza has not been detected in animals in Australia to date.

H5 Avian influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease impacting poultry, wild birds, and other animals. It causes severe illness and death in some species of birds. It can also infect mammal species, including livestock, scavenger species and marine mammals, such as seals and sealions.

The H5 Avian influenza strain that is impacting other parts of the world is different from the H7 strain that recently impacted poultry in parts of NSW and Victoria. Find more information on the H7 outbreak.

It is important to remember that anyone encountering sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife should always minimise the risks to themselves and other animals.

Please refer the NSW Health Be Careful Around Wildlife fact sheet for more information.

What do you do if you suspect avian influenza?

If you observe any unusual signs of disease or abnormal behaviour consistent with H5 Avian influenza symptoms:

AVOID contact with sick or dead animals
RECORD time, date, location and other evidence i.e. photos, video.
REPORT mass bird mortalities (five or more) via:
- the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (EAD Hotline) on 1800 675 888
- this form to report sick or dead birds.
Following a report, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will evaluate the need for diagnostic testing or other investigation. Reporting will be key to early detection.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of H5 Avian Influenza in animals.

H5 Avian influenza – the global situation

Since 2021, H5 bird flu has spread across much of the world and infected hundreds of species of wild birds as well as 50 species of mammals. Outbreaks of H5 Avian influenza overseas have led to extensive losses of poultry, and mass mortalities of wild birds and mammals, particularly marine mammals (i.e. seals, sealions and dolphins) and mammals that prey or scavenge on birds. Australia is the only large continent land mass that is currently free from this strain.

Due to the global situation, there is an increased risk of H5 Avian influenza arriving in Australia. As such, there is also an increased risk of outbreaks in local wild birds and other native wildlife as well as farmed and backyard poultry.

Any outbreak will require an emergency response. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) is the combat agency in NSW, and along with partners from other key government departments, would work closely with industry, community, wildlife groups, and land managers to coordinate a response.

While Avian influenza preparedness activities have been a national focus for many years, H5 Avian influenza has spread quickly across the world through the normal migration of wild birds.

Impacted species

Wildlife Health Australia has cautioned that all bird species may be susceptible to infection from H5 bird flu. However, not all species nor individuals will be affected in the same way.

Ongoing outbreaks and mortalities in wild birds, particularly waterfowl, shorebirds and seabirds, have been observed globally in a wide range of species, seen as individual bird deaths or mass mortalities. Birds that aggregate in high densities are particularly at risk, as are raptors (birds of prey) who scavenge or predate infected animals.

H5 bird flu has also resulted in the deaths overseas of large numbers of terrestrial and aquatic mammals, both wild and domestic. Animals that consume or come into contact with infected birds may be susceptible. Pinniped species, namely seals and sea lions, are also known to be at risk.

Australia has unique fauna not found elsewhere, so H5 bird flu impacts are more difficult to predict. Based on experience overseas, impacts are expected to be significant for some of our native species, both avian and mammalian.

Human impacts

Avian influenza rarely spreads to humans but may occur if there is close, unprotected contact with infected birds, droppings or heavily contaminated environments.

Avian influenza spreads by direct contact with infected birds or their saliva/faeces. Spread can also occur from indirect contact, from droplets or dust containing virus.

You may be at higher risk of getting avian influenza if you travel to countries with avian influenza and have contact with sick birds and other infected animals.

People at highest risk of getting avian influenza are those who:

work with commercial poultry (chicken or turkey) and/or are in close contact with sick birds that may be infected with avian influenza
work with and/or are in close contact with other animal species that can be infected with avian influenza e.g. mammals, particularly if they are unwell
are in close contact with a person who is infected with avian influenza.

Further information about Avian influenza can be found at NSW Health.

First Nations communities

Populations of culturally and economically important animal and plant species could be impacted by H5 Avian influenza. Species that are important for First Nations peoples could be at risk.

People on Country should not approach or handle wild birds or wildlife unless trained to do so. This is for their own safety and to not spread avian influenza.

NSW preparedness

The NSW Government undertakes surveillance for avian influenza virus in wild birds under the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program (NAIWB) which is coordinated by Wildlife Health Australia. This includes passive surveillance, or reporting of sick or dead animals, is a surveillance system that we all participate in – from the general public to poultry producers to veterinarians and other animal health professionals. Experience overseas has shown that H5N1 is likely to be detected first through passive surveillance, as birds rapidly develop severe disease.

The NSW Government is working with the Australian Government and other jurisdictions to ensure that preparedness activities are nationally coordinated and consistent. This includes participation in preparedness activities like Exercise Volare, which was designed to improve readiness for H5 bird flu outbreaks. The three-part exercise was based on a hypothetical detection of H5 bird flu in Australia. More information is available at Exercise Volare (2024) - DAFF.

The NSW Government is also working closely with wildlife rehabilitators, local government, and First Nations groups to develop strategies to mitigate potential impacts on animals, people and our ecosystems.

Key relevant sectors have also collaborated through summits, round tables, webinars, exercises and other events, to improve preparedness.

Your wellbeing

Emergency responses or the threat of incursions can be stressful and may impact people’s mental and emotional wellbeing. This can include feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and unease, but there are things you can do to take care of yourself.

In tough times we need to remember to look after ourselves. As much as possible, maintaining routines with good diet, exercise, and sleep will help, as will reaching out to family and friends.

There are several support services available to help you and your family with the emotional or physical reactions you may be experiencing.

You may want to contact these supports if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health:

Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Lifeline: 131114
Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
Beyondblue: 1300 224 636
Mensline: 1300 789 978
13Yarn (24/7): 13 92 76
Brother-to-Brother (24/7): 1800 435 799

Transcultural Mental Health Line (9am-4.30pm Mon-Fri): 1800 648 911 If someone has attempted, or is at immediate risk of attempting to harm themselves or someone else, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

H5 Avian Influenza preparedness