Bird flu (Avian Influenza)

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza (also called bird flu) has been detected in wild birds in Australia including the Loddon Mallee region. This strain has caused many outbreaks around the world in chickens and other farm birds, wild birds, and sea mammals. It has also infected farm animals such as cows.  

What is Avian Influenza? 

  • Bird flu is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus that usually infects birds. The virus is different to those that cause seasonal flu in people. 

  • It mainly spreads between birds but can also spread from birds to other animals and rarely to humans. 

Who is at risk? 

The current risk of bird flu spreading to people in Victoria is low. Bird flu viruses do not spread easily from birds to people, and no human infections with this strain have been reported in Australia. 

People who have close contact with birds are at greatest risk of infection. This includes poultry workers, animal handlers, and wildlife workers. Infection can occur if the virus enters a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or if virus particles are inhaled. 

People who travel to countries experiencing bird flu outbreaks may also be at higher risk, particularly if they have contact with sick birds or other animals. 

The risk of getting bird flu from properly cooked chicken and eggs is very low. To reduce your risk further, always handle raw poultry safely and cook poultry and eggs thoroughly. 

To help reduce your risk 

Vaccination 

  • Getting your seasonal flu vaccination is strongly recommended. It does not prevent bird flu, but it reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill if you are exposed to both seasonal flu andbird flu. 

  • The flu vaccine is available through select GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal health services and local councils. The vaccine is free for eligible priority groups. 

  • Getting a seasonal flu vaccine is especially important for people who work with poultry or birds. 

Working Safely with Poultry and Birds 

  • People working in close contact with poultry, sick birds, or other animals should practice good hygiene and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.  

If you are unwell and have been exposed to bird flu: 

  • Seek medical advice and tell your GP about any possible contact with a sick or dead bird in the past 10 days. 

  • Wear a face mask and call ahead before attending your appointment so you can be seen separately from other patients if needed. 

For more information about H5N1 bird flu and risk to human health 

Reporting 

What to do if you see sick or dead birds or wildlife  

If you see 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 or by using this formhttps://forms.bio.vic.gov.au/wildlife-influenza-investigation  

For Health Providers

The risk to the public remains low. Health professionals should remain alert to the potential for human infection. 

Consider avian influenza in patients presenting with: 

  • Influenza-like illness 

  • Conjunctivitis 

  • Pneumonia 

  • Severe respiratory disease 

And where there is a history of: 

  • Contact with sick or dead birds, poultry or other animals 

  • Exposure to contaminated environments 

  • Travel to areas affected by avian influenza 

Avian influenza is an urgent notifiable condition in Victoria. Suspected or confirmed human cases must be reported immediately to the Department of Health by calling 1300 651 160 (24/7)  

Clinical guidance and updates 

For current surveillance, public health advice and clinical guidance, visit:  

More information:

Department of Health 
 
Better Health Channel

Advice available in the following languages: Arabic, Fijian, Filipino, Hindi, Indonesian, Karen, Khmer, Punjabi, Sim. Chinese, Swahili, Thai, Trad. Chinese, Vietnamese 

Agriculture Victoria 

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) 
 

Bird Flu

Bird Flu