Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a virus that affects all species of birds and can also infect mammals, including people.
In Australia, we’ve only experienced outbreaks of the H7 high pathogenicity strain, never the H5 high pathogenicity strain.
Globally, there’s been a surge in serious outbreaks caused by the H5 strain (specifically Clade 2.3.4.4b). This version of the virus has adapted to survive in wild bird populations, which allows it to spread more widely and to more species than older strains.
Overseas, H5 has caused major poultry losses and mass deaths in wild birds and some mammals, especially those that live in or near water.
How Australia Responds
- If an H5 outbreak occurs, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will coordinate the national response.
- State and territory governments will handle actions within their regions.
Recognizing the Signs
- Symptoms in birds can include:
- Sudden death in a group of birds
- Respiratory problems: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge
- Swelling of the head or limbs
- Diarrhoea
- Odd behavior or posture
- Unexpected drop in egg production
- The virus spreads through:
- Close contact with infected wild birds
- Contaminated feed or water
- Contact with infected meat, eggs, feathers
- Equipment, clothing, and footwear used around infected birds
Properly cooked food is still safe to eat. Human infection is rare and usually happens after direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
What You Can Do
Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. If you see sick or dead birds or animals:
- Don’t touch them.
- Instead, take photos or video, record the location, and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).
- Early detection is key to stopping outbreaks.
- When in doubt, report what you see. Visit birdflu.gov.au for resources and the latest information.
Backyard Birds
If you keep poultry or birds:
- Watch for sudden deaths, diarrhoea, reduced eating/drinking, less egg production, sneezing, or birds looking unwell.
- Separate new birds and monitor for at least 30 days before adding to your flock.
- Avoid feeding wild birds or letting them mix with your birds.
- Use netting to keep wild and domestic birds apart.
- Regularly clean housing and equipment—don’t share gear with other bird owners.
- If your birds roam free, check them daily for illness and be ready to isolate any sick birds.
- Don’t touch sick or dead birds, but if you must, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after.
- Always wash hands after handling birds, eggs, or equipment.
- Wash clothes and shoes after visiting places where birds are kept.
- Report sick or dead birds to your vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).
Other Ways to Help Prepare
- Keep pets (cats, dogs) away from wildlife—keep dogs on leads and cats indoors.
- Don’t let wildlife access pet food or water bowls.
- Help local wildlife by joining conservation groups, cleaning up local reserves, or planting native plants in your garden.
These small actions make a difference and help local wildlife stay healthy and resilient.
Find more details or watch the informational webinar at birdflu.gov.au or type the following url into your browser:
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/avian-influenza/resources#webinar
Remember, if you see any sick or dead birds contact your vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888)
As at 12/7/2026:
There have now been 13 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in Australia. There are seven confirmed in Western Australia (WA), five in South Australia (SA) and one in New South Wales (NSW). All of these have been individual wild birds.
There remains no evidence of any mass mortality events, and there are no detections in poultry or in our agricultural production system.
Information from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
