What is H5 bird flu?
- H5 bird flu (high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza) is a serious and highly contagious disease that has killed millions of wild birds, poultry and some mammals overseas.
- H5 bird flu has recently been confirmed for the first time in Australia, in wild migratory birds on the southern coast of Australia.
- Refer to the Current situation webpage for the latest information on detections of H5 bird flu.
- Staying informed and prepared helps keep everyone safe. Let’s work together to protect our economy, environment and our communities.
What to look out for?
- Sick or dead domestic birds or wild birds, including seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds, birds of prey (for example, eagles, hawks)
- Any other wildlife including marine mammals showing signs of H5 bird flu, including:
- shaking, swimming or moving in circles
- twisted necks or other strange movements or positions
- can't stand or fly
- diarrhoea
- hard breathing, coughing or sneezing
- swollen head, neck or eyes
- cloudiness or change in eye colour
- sudden death.
When is the highest risk?
August to November, when migratory shorebirds arrive in large numbers. But other infected wildlife could arrive year-round, so stay alert and always report anything unusual.
Can people get H5 bird flu?
- Yes – but it's rare. The current risk of H5 bird flu to people in Australia is low
- Infection usually occurs through close contact with sick birds or animals
- Rangers, wildlife carers, hunters and anyone in contact with sick or dead birds, are most at risk
- Visit Bird flu and human health (NSW Health) for more information.
How to protect yourself
- If you see sick or dead birds or other animals or wildlife, do not touch them
- Keep pets and children away from sick or dead birds or other animals or wildlife
- Wash hands with soap before and after handling your animals, eggs or raw meat
- Rangers should always use gloves, surgical masks and eye protection if handling sick or dead birds or other animals or wildlife and wash their hands with soap and water after contact
What to do
- AVOID contact with sick or dead birds or other animals
- RECORD time, date, location, and take photos or videos, if safe
- REPORT immediately: Report groups of sick or dead birds or other animals to a vet, a ranger or community leader, or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
Who to contact
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (report sick or dead birds and wildlife) | 1800 675 888 |
| healthdirect (for instant health advice when you need it, day or night) | 1800 022 222 |
| 13YARN (national crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples). Culturally safe, free and confidential support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Community members who are feeling distressed, worried or overwhelmed by the situation are encouraged to call any time, day or night. | 13 92 76 |
For further information
See Resources landing page for H5 bird flu resources, including factsheets, posters and signs.
Also see the main information pages on bird flu including:
- Report sick or dead birds and wildlife
- Bird flu and wildlife (Environment and Heritage)
- Be careful around wildlife (NSW Health)
- Bird flu in NSW
If you need to immediately dispose of a sick or dead bird n order to keep others safe, see:
General Public: Disposal of bird carcasses from public and private land guidelines (PDF 206.15KB)