Avian Influenza - 
 H5N1 

Avian Influenza - H5N1

Heightened Risk 

Viruses are not new and some variants of avian influenza have existed in Australia for many years circulating in a low pathogenic form in some birds rarely causing disease. However, Australia is currently the only continent that has not yet been impacted by a deadly strain of Avian Influenza known as H5N1.

Large-scale outbreaks of the H5N1 strain have killed millions of animals globally, already impacting over 500 species of birds and 80 species of mammals. The government is actively monitoring Australian shores and WIRES is involved in regular meetings with government agencies and organisations such as Wildlife Health Australia, to stay up to date on the biosecurity surveillance underway.

Leading scientists and government agencies have indicated that it is a matter of when, not if, the H5 strain of bird flu will reach Australia. Although the disease could arrive at any time, the risk is heightened across coastlines and wetlands during spring due to the arrival of migratory birds. 

Wildlife Impact 

Experts have advised that once H5 arrives it cannot be eradicated, so preparedness is critical. Animals that contract H5 normally die within days and there is no available treatment for wildlife.

Reducing Risk

To avoid the risk of potential disease spread please:

  1. Wash your shoes and clothes before and after visiting any national parks or nature reserves
  2. Do not feed native wildlife as eating their native diets is best for them and this will prevent groups of birds congregating together unnecessarily
  3. Keep pets away from wildlife 

Symptoms 

Several, or all birds, in a flock may be impacted and symptoms include a lack of coordination, arched head, paralysis, seizures, tremors, conjunctivitis, nasal secretions, laboured breathing and unusual sudden death. 

How Can You Help

Stay vigilant and if you see 5 or more animals that appear to have the above symptoms follow these steps:

  1. AVOID - keep people and pets away from the impacted area to avoid any contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment
  2. RECORD - take photos or video of what you see and take a note of the GPS coordinates where the animals were found
  3. REPORT - call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 088 to report unusual illnesses or mass mortality events.

More Resources

WIRES Factsheet is available here

Other useful information can be found here:

WHA https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Resource-Centre/H5-bird-flu

NSW Health: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/avian-influenza.aspx#:~:text=Avian%20influenza%20(also%20known%20as,in%20birds%20and%20other%20animals.

Government Response: https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/avian-influenza