H5 bird flu preparedness

Current situation

High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has been confirmed in several vagrant migratory seabirds on Australia's southern coast. This is the first time the globally circulating H5 bird flu strain has been detected in Australia.

There is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or spread to other animals. There has been no detection in poultry or other agricultural industries.

This strain of avian influenza has had significant impacts overseas, causing widespread mortality in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.

There have been no detections of H5 bird flu in NSW to date, however it is important that we all continue to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead poultry, wild birds or wildlife.

If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them.

Avoid contact.
Record what you see.
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.

For more information, visit: H5 Bird flu | Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

What is avian influenza?

High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause severe illness and death in birds. Unlike other avian influenza strains, H5 bird flu has caused significant mortality in poultry, wild birds and some mammal species overseas, particularly marine mammals.

H5 bird flu is currently affecting many parts of the world and has recently been detected for the first time in Australia in several vagrant migratory seabirds on the southern coast of Australia..

While NSW has previously responded to outbreaks of high pathogenicity H7 avian influenza, H5 bird flu has never been detected in the state. Despite this, the risk of its arrival remains, and ongoing preparedness is essential.

International experience has shown that H5 bird flu can have substantial impacts on wildlife populations, distinguishing it from previous avian influenza strains and highlighting the importance of early detection and strong biosecurity measures.

H5 bird flu:

spreads more easily than other bird flu strains
can kill large numbers of poultry, wild birds and some mammals
has no effective treatment
usually leads to poor outcomes for infected birds and mammals

NSW has been preparing for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu in Australia and continues to strengthen its preparedness and response capabilities. This work includes planning for the possible impacts on animal health, human health and the environment.

Australia has well-established national arrangements to detect, manage and respond to animal disease emergencies, including H5 bird flu.

The NSW Government is encouraging poultry producers to maintain strong on-farm biosecurity practices to help protect the health of their flocks and reduce the risk of disease spread. Backyard poultry and cage bird enthusiasts are also encouraged to be vigilant and help safeguard their industries.

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 bird flu 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.

Due to the global situation, the risk of H5 bird flu arriving in Australia has increased. 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.

An outbreak of H5 bird flu in NSW would require an emergency response. As the combat agency for animal biosecurity emergencies in NSW, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) follows established response arrangements to manage incidents such as H5 bird flu. Other NSW Government agencies and local councils may support NSW DPIRD in responding to impacts on wildlife, working closely with industry, community groups, wildlife organisations and land managers to coordinate an effective and collaborative response.

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’s unique wildlife, including many species found nowhere else in the world, makes the potential impacts of H5 bird flu difficult to predict. However, based on overseas experience, significant impacts are expected for some native bird and mammal species. Internationally, most wildlife infected with H5 bird flu have not survived, and there are currently no proven treatment options for the disease in wild animals. In response, biosecurity and wildlife health organisations in Australia and internationally are considering a range of preparedness, mitigation and response measures to help reduce impacts on wildlife.

Human impacts

Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.

The Australian Centre for Disease Control advises the risk to people in Australia is currently low. Bird flu in people is rare, and infection usually happens after close contact with infected birds, droppings or heavily contaminated environments.

Bird flu 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 bird flu if you travel to countries with avian influenza and have contact with sick birds and other infected animals.

People at the highest risk of getting bird flu 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 on the NSW Health website.

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.

First Nations communities

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

The NSW Government has engaged with First Nations people and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council to ensure community needs are met before and during any outbreak of H5 bird flu in NSW. Access to Country may be temporarily impacted in affected areas to prevent disease spread and protect human health.

People on Country should not approach or handle sick or dead wild birds or wildlife unless trained to do so. This is for their own safety and to avoid the spread of H5 bird flu.

Sick or dead birds or other animals should be reported to a vet, a ranger or a community leader, or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

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; 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 H5 bird flu 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.

If you suspect H5 bird flu

If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them.

Avoid contact.
Record what you see.
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia

Report sick or dead birds or wildlife:

If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu:

Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, and their environment.
Record what you see.
Report it using this online form or call 1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below.

What you should report to us:

Five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in NSW.
Two or more sick or dead backyard poultry or pet birds.

Or one or more individuals from a high-risk species:

Sick or dead penguin or pelican.
Sick or dead bird of prey (for example, hawk, owl, eagle).
Sick or dead black swan.
Sick or dead marine mammal (for example, seal, sea lion, dolphin).

To report sick or injured wild birds needing veterinary care, contact your local wildlife carer organisations: WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Sightings of less than 5 dead wild birds do not need to be reported. If you do wish to report, please complete this form.

What to expect following a report:

When you make a report, an officer from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) will review your report. Depending on the outcome of a risk assessment, you may receive a follow-up phone call for more information. In some cases, birds may be collected and tested for H5 bird flu or other causes of death, though not all wild birds will be collected.

Please avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds. If you need to dispose of wild birds because you cannot prevent access to the carcasses by children or pets, please refer to the following guidance from NSW Health and NSW DPIRD:

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.