For animal owners and professionals
Do you own, care for, work with or provide health care for animals? Taking action to prevent the spread of bird flu is everyone's biosecurity responsibility. Learn practical prevention measures, disease monitoring and preparedness advice for H5 bird flu (high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza).
Community information
Human infection is rare with H5 bird flu (high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza). People are most at risk if they have close contact with infected birds or animals.
About bird flu and the NSW response
H5 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in NSW. There are currently no detections in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or livestock in NSW, and the risk to human health remains low.
The NSW Government works with the Australian Government, industry, wildlife organisations and communities to:
- monitor and investigate detections in wild birds
- strengthen biosecurity and preparedness across NSW
- support disease surveillance and laboratory testing
- provide advice to industry, animal owners and communities
- coordinate response activities if further detections occur.
Strong biosecurity, disease monitoring and prompt reporting remain important tools for helping protect animals, industries and communities. Also see:
Download posters, signs, fact sheets and awareness materials.
Bird flu (avian influenza) is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. Some strains can also infect other animals, including mammals. Bird flu can affect wild birds, poultry and captive birds.
H5 bird flu (high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza) has now been detected in wild birds in NSW.
For the latest information see News below and the alert block at the top of this page. There's also links for communities, animal owners and professionals.
For background information see About H5 bird flu and the risk to NSW
Signs of bird flu in animals can include sudden death, unusual behaviour, breathing difficulties, reduced eating or drinking, and changes in egg production. Different species may show different signs. Always contact your vet if you have concerns.
On this page you can find links for communities, animal owners and professionals providing more information on signs and detection.
Do not touch sick or dead birds or wildlife. Avoid contact, keep people and pets away, record the location and report what you have found.
Related information
- Report sick or dead birds and wildlife
- Bird flu and wildlife (Environment and Heritage)
- Be careful around wildlife (NSW Health)
If you need to immediately dispose of a sick or dead bird in order to keep others safe, see:
General Public: Disposal of bird carcasses from public and private land guidelines (PDF 206.15KB)
To make a report, see the contacts below on this page. When you make a report , an officer from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will review and assess your report. They will consider:
- the species
- the number of birds affected
- the location
- the disease risk
Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing. DPIRD will confirm positive detections only.
Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds. (See previous question What do I do if I find a sick or dead bird)
Human infections are rare and the current risk to people remains low. For the latest health advice, symptoms and information about exposure risks, visit NSW Health.
For the latest food safety and health advice, visit NSW Health. NSW Health provides information about risks to people and current public health advice.
Bird flu mainly affects birds. Overseas, some mammals including cats and dogs, have been infected, but the risk to pets in Australia remains low.
Keep pets away from sick or dead birds and wildlife, and contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet's health.
What if my pet has touched or eaten a dead bird?
Keep your pet away from sick or dead birds and wildlife where possible. If your pet has touched, handled or eaten a dead bird and you are concerned about its health, contact your veterinarian for advice. Monitor your pet for signs of illness and seek veterinary attention if they become unwell.
Related information
Latest biosecurity news
Contact and report concerns
Report suspected bird flu
Available 24 hours a day across Australia.
- Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888
- Online reporting