Picture: Poster of H5 bird flu from Australia Government.
The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza (bird flu) has now reached Australia. Since 2021, this virus has spread across almost every continent, causing devastating impacts on wildlife, poultry and some mammals.
Overseas, H5N1 has killed millions of wild birds and thousands of marine mammals, including seals and sea lions. It has also infected dairy cattle and caused major losses to poultry industries.
For Australia, the arrival of H5N1 is particularly concerning. Around one in six Australian bird species is already threatened with extinction, and our unique wildlife could be especially vulnerable if the virus spreads.
What makes this strain different?
Unlike previous bird flu outbreaks, this H5N1 strain infects a much wider range of species and spreads more easily between birds and mammals. It can be transmitted through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, including carcasses.
The risk to the general public remains low. Most human cases overseas have involved people who had direct contact with infected animals. There are currently no reported H5N1 cases in Australian poultry or dairy farms.
How you can help protect our wildlife
If you see a sick or dead wild bird:
- Do not touch it or allow pets to investigate.
- Observe from a safe distance.
- Record the location and, if safe to do so, take a photo.
- Report the sighting immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.
Useful information includes:
- the location (GPS coordinates if possible)
- the date and time
- the number of sick or dead animals
- any signs of illness you observed.
Every report matters
Early detection is one of the best ways to protect Australia’s wildlife. Community reports help authorities monitor the spread of H5N1 and respond quickly to outbreaks.
If you’re visiting beaches, wetlands or bushland, please keep your distance from sick or dead wildlife, keep dogs on a lead and away from carcasses, and report anything unusual. Working together, we can help protect our remarkable native birds and other wildlife from this emerging threat.
