H5 bird flu detected in non-migratory seabird

Testing has identified the sample from the non-migratory tern as being the globally circulating H5 influenza A strain of concern (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b). This follows a limited number of migratory seabirds testing positive in Australia in recent weeks.

Since 2020, a global animal outbreak of this clade has caused illness and death in poultry, wild birds and some mammal species. Some people have been infected with this strain globally.

The risk to human health in Australia remains low.

If you find sick or dead birds

If you find multiple sick or dead birds or 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.

How we assess risk

When assessing risk to public health, we consider the risk to the general population as well as at-risk groups, and look at various aspects, including:

how easily the virus transmits – H5 bird flu requires close contact and rarely spreads to people from animals, and spread between people is very rare
how serious the disease is – disease severity appears to vary, and as there are currently no human cases in Australia, the severity of human infection associated with the genotype detected in Australia remains uncertain
how many (if any) cases there have been in Australia – no cases of this strain of bird flu have been acquired in Australia to date
how likely the virus is to evolve to more easily infect humans – although this strain has not genetically changed to date, bird flu viruses can change quickly, and the more they spread in animals or people, the more chances they have to change.

Bird flu is also not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.

What we’re doing

Australia is well prepared to respond quickly to H5 bird flu.

We are working with partners across government to monitor and respond to the situation, and ensure advice remains current and coordinated.

To support the national response, we provide:

guidance for public health units on how to respond to bird flu – including people infected with bird flu or people exposed to the virus
a toolkit for people who work with birds and wildlife on how to protect themselves
guidance for employers and managers on protecting people who work with birds and wildlife
a national plan for the surveillance of avian influenza for human health, which outlines a framework for our monitoring of human health in response to the threat of bird flu.

Prevention

The best way to protect against bird flu is to:

wash your hands thoroughly before and immediately after handling any bird (even if healthy)
stay away from sick or dead birds and their
- surroundings
- droppings
- body fluids
- feathers
- eggs
not allow pets to touch or eat sick and dead animals
thoroughly cook meat and eggs before eating.

Seasonal flu vaccination

Getting an annual flu vaccination is important. Although it won’t prevent bird flu, it plays a very important role.

Right now, bird flu cannot easily infect humans. But if someone gets both bird flu and human seasonal flu at the same time, the viruses could exchange genetic material and create a new strain that more easily infects humans.

Protecting your pets

There are some simple steps you can take to protect pets and backyard poultry to reduce the potential impacts on our native species. Find more information at birdflu.gov.au.