H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu)

H5 bird flu,  is a highly contagious virus that affects birds. Some strains cause mild illness, while others can lead to sudden death in poultry and wild birds.

Bird flu viruses are grouped by two proteins on their surface: haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). For example, HPAI H5N1 is a type of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) that causes serious disease in birds and some mammals.

HPAI H5N1 has now been confirmed in a wild migratory bird in Western Australia. This is separate from recent Australian poultry outbreaks, which involved other avian influenza strains.

Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) may not cause symptoms but can still result in some deaths. Some LPAI viruses, such as H5 and H7, can become more severe when they spread from wild birds to poultry.

There are many subtypes of avian influenza, but HPAI H5N1 is of concern for poultry, wild birds and a range of native wildlife (such as seals and dolphins).

All bird species can get H5 bird flu.

Although any bird species can become infected, bird groups associated with water are highly susceptible. This includes shorebirds, waders such as ibis, waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans, and seabirds such as seagulls, terns and penguins.

Species that live in large colonies are particularly suspectable.

Predatory birds and scavenger species are also at risk due to the high likelihood of these species consuming infected animals.

Infected animals experience rapid deterioration in health and can die from the effects of the virus within a matter of hours to days.

Infected birds shed the virus in:

• saliva
• nasal secretions
• faeces.

The virus can spread to domestic birds when wild birds:

• interact with them
• contaminate their food or water.

H5 bird flu can spread between properties through:

• people
• poultry
• contaminated clothing
• contaminated equipment.

Internationally, H5 bird flu has infected many animals after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

Some predators and scavengers have caught the virus by eating raw infected bird carcases.

For more information visit:

• H5 bird flu information for backyard poultry owners
• Guidelines for managing dead birds and wildlife on public land in an H5 bird flu outbreak
• Biosecurity for poultry producers
• Report sick or dead wild birds or wildlife

The most critical indicator of H5 bird flu in wild birds and wildlife is sudden death.

Other signs of H5 bird flu in wild birds are:

• lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
• twisted neck or other unusual posture
• inability to stand or fly
• diarrhoea
• difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
• swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes.

What to do if you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife with signs of H5 bird flu:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife
• RECORD what you see and the location
• REPORT through our online reporting form or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Report clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one sick or dead:

• sick or dead wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey (e.g. eagles, hawks)
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

DEECA will provide you with advice through the reporting process, including any instructions on what you may need to do.

The most important sign to be aware of is sudden death. Other signs of H5 bird flu in poultry and other captive birds are:

• rapid drop in feed intake, water intake and egg production in domestic or commercial poultry

• typical “sick bird” signs – ruffled feathers, depression, closed eyes

• inability to stand or fly

• diarrhoea

• difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing

• swelling around the head, neck and eyes

• cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes.

• lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles

• twisted necks or other unusual posture

H5 bird flu should be considered if a high proportion of a flock or group of birds become ill very quickly – progressing from normal to severe illness or death within 24 to 48 hours.

If you suspect H5 bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you or your vet must report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

H5 bird flu rarely spreads to humans but may occur if there is close contact with infected birds, droppings or heavily contaminated environments. Further information can be found on the Victorian Department of Health website.

The Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) is the Control Agency for managing emergency animal diseases, and the department is now ramping up its preparedness for an H5 bird flu outbreak in Victoria.

This follows DEECA working closely with government agencies, land managers, the wildlife welfare sector, Traditional Owners and other relevant organisations to prepare for a potential H5 bird flu detection in Victoria.

There are limited options for responding to the potential impacts of H5 bird flu on wildlife.

Our emergency preparedness activities included:

• identifying and prioritising at-risk species and developing detailed response plans
• scenario planning to slow the spread of the virus and manage the impacts of the virus on wildlife

• planning for limited public access to landscapes where there are outbreaks working with the Commonwealth, states and territories to prepare for a potential detection of the highly contagious disease for many months

• establishment of a wildlife-focused Expert Advisory Group to advise on priorities for threatened species.

In addition to the above advice, it is important for land managers to be aware of the following:

• Moving sick or dead birds or wildlife that are infected with H5 bird flu  could spread disease and put you and other wildlife at risk.
• Maintaining good biosecurity processes reduces the risk of the disease may spread from wild populations to people and other wildlife.
• You must follow biosecurity practices, to help keep wildlife, people and domestic animals safe.

In addition to the above advice, it is important for wildlife shelters and foster carers to be aware of the following.

• Wildlife shelters should not accept wildlife from members of the public, if the wildlife show signs consistent with H5 bird flu..
• It   is important to ensure you comply at all times with your authorisation conditions, including the requirement to quarantine wildlife coming into your care. More information on how to comply with this and other conditions can be found in our Wildlife Rehabilitator Authorisation Guide.
• Moving sick or dead birds or wildlife that are infected with H5 BIRD FLU could spread disease and put you and other wildlife at risk.
• Maintaining good biosecurity processes minimises the likelihood that the disease may spread from wild populations to animals already in care.

Watch out for any signs of bird flu. This includes your poultry, backyard chooks as well as wild birds and sea mammals when you are out and about.

H5 bird flu is a notifiable disease. This means that legally you must tell us if you know of or suspect the presence of H5 bird flu.

You can do this by immediately calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The detection on the southern coast of Western Australia is the first confirmed presence of H5 bird flu in Australia.

The risk of H5 bird flu spreading to Victoria is continuously increasing as the virus spreads around the world and is now confirmed in Australia.

It’s common to see dead migratory birds like shearwaters on beaches in spring/early summer every year in Victoria. With the increased risk of the virus arriving we need to know about suspect cases quickly, but we want you to remain safe and we do not want you to move the virus.