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H5N1 bird flu (avian influenza) is a notifiable emergency animal disease in Australia.
Veterinarians play a vital role in early recognition of the globally circulating H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, reporting, safe sampling and advising clients on biosecurity.
Current status in Australia and NSW
Australia has confirmed its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in wild birds.
For more information, visit our Avian influenza page: Bird flu in NSW
National guidelines for veterinarians
To assist private veterinarians to manage the risk of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza at their premises, visit National H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza guidelines for veterinarians.
About H5 bird flu
Avian influenza is an infectious disease of avian species and occurs worldwide.
The H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) circulating globally is different to other forms of avian influenza in that it circulates in wild birds in the high pathogenicity form, causing disease and deaths in wild birds as well as commercial poultry, also infecting an expanded host range, particularly mammals.
- Many species of wild birds, including waterfowl, seabirds and birds of prey have died from H5 bird flu overseas, however, some birds may carry the virus without showing any significant signs of disease.
- Chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants, emus and ostriches are also included in the more than 400 avian species that have suffered disease and death from H5 bird flu overseas.
- Globally, more than 60 mammalian species have also suffered disease and death from H5 bird flu. These were mainly marine mammals and bird-eating scavengers, but cases have been detected in dairy cattle, pet cats, goats, alpacas, pigs, horses, zoo animals and other wild animals.
Mammals, especially carnivores and marine mammals, may be infected with the virus by consuming infected birds or other animals. However, infection can also occur via close contact with infected birds, animals or products, or contact with environments contaminated with virus from infected birds or animals.
When to suspect H5 bird flu
Include bird flu in your differential diagnoses for unusual illness or mortality events in poultry, captive birds, or wild birds.
Individual or clustered dead birds or mammals can indicate the presence of H5 bird flu.
Clinical signs of infection with H5 bird flu in birds include:
- Sudden death without clinical signs, including mass mortality events
- Lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
- Droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
- Neurological signs such as tremors, poor co-ordination, unusual postures, inability to walk or stand, seizures
- Respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing
- Swelling around the head and neck
- Watery or green diarrhoea.
In poultry, signs may also include:
- Purple discolouration or bruising of the wattles, combs and legs
- Sudden decrease in egg production.
Infected wild mammals may show a wide range of clinical signs, including:
- Neurological signs (paralysis, seizures and tremors)
- Respiratory signs
- Sudden death, including the potential for mass mortality events.
Clinically normal birds may still carry influenza virus.
Responding to a suspected case of H5 bird flu
How to report sick and dead wildlife:
Any animal showing signs of disease consistent with H5 bird flu must be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
When reporting, include the following information (if known):
- location (GPS co-ordinates if possible)
- species affected, species present. Take photographs to assist with species identification
- number of sick, dead, healthy
- condition of the carcasses (degree of decomposition)
- clinical signs
- when did this start - sudden death or prolonged illness
- any recent changes in the environment, for example weather, use of poisons (pesticides, sprays etc.), change in food or water supplies
- proximity to livestock or commercial poultry farms – any nearby livestock sick?
Collecting samples to test for H5 bird flu
Animal Biosecurity may contact you regarding collecting samples for H5 bird flu. Only collect samples if directed.
Typical sample collection kits contain:
- PPE
- swabs and PBGS viral transport medium
- disinfection supplies
- plastic zip lock bags, garbage bags, pens to label PBGS vials
Please keep these kits available at your field office and use them when appropriate. Ensure kits are restocked after use.
Samples will need to be kept cold before transport, so ensure that there is a suitable fridge and freezer where samples can be stored. An ice brick will be required for sampling and transport. Ensure some are frozen.
Further details on the correct use of PPE, establishing a biosecurity zone, sample collection, sample shipping to NSW DPIRD’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) laboratories for H5 bird flu testing, and disposal of carcasses, are available in the following resources, co-developed by the Australian Registry for Wildlife Health, NSW DPIRD and NSW Health:
Managing wildlife and owned birds affected by H5 bird flu
International experience has shown that most wildlife and birds affected by H5 bird flu are unlikely to survive, and there is no reliable treatment available for H5 bird flu in wildlife. Eradication or containment of H5 bird flu in wildlife is unlikely to be possible if it becomes established in wildlife populations.
HPAI Field Officer training
The online High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Wildlife - Field officer training is designed to prepare and inform those that may be collecting samples from wild birds and the specific processes on sampling, submission, decontamination and disinfection.