H5 bird flu and human health

Current situation and level of risk to human health

Bird flu spreads easily between birds and can spread to some mammals. It rarely spreads to humans. The risk to the general public is low.

Globally, since 2020 only around 100 human infections with H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b have been reported. Most infections were mild, but a very small number of people developed severe disease. There has been no reported spread from person to person for this clade.

There have so far been no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or livestock in Australia.

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

What is H5 bird flu?

H5 bird flu is a viral disease of birds.

Staying safe

People do not need to avoid parks, beaches, schools, workplaces or other public spaces simply because birds are present.

Routine contact with birds in urban areas is not considered a significant source of infection or risk to humans.

Walking past a dead or sick bird, or its faeces/waste, without touching it does not put people at risk. Simply living, working or spending time near birds does not place people at significant risk.

Reduce your risk

The best way to reduce your risk is to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife.

Being in close contact with sick or dead birds may increase your risk of getting bird flu.

Most human infections of bird flu happen after prolonged exposure to high viral loads in animals or contaminated environments without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes close contact or close exposure in enclosed spaces with infected birds or other animals

People who work with or care for birds, their respiratory secretions, faeces (droppings) or other body fluids are at greater risk of catching H5N1 bird flu. This includes poultry workers, veterinarians, animal health and wildlife workers, carers and outbreak responders.

You can help reduce the risk of disease spread:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife.
• Keep pets away from wildlife.
• Clean footwear, clothing and equipment after visiting parks, reserves or farms.
• Report sick or dead wild birds and wildlife to Agriculture Victoria.
• If you work with sick or dead wildlife, including poultry, it is important to follow recommended PPE guidelines.
• Receiving a seasonal flu vaccine is particularly important for those who work with poultry or birds. It reduces the risk of becoming unwell with both seasonal and bird flu at the same time.​ It can also prevent the chance of bird flu and other flu viruses mixing and creating a new flu strain that might spread more easily.

If you see sick or dead wildlife:

• Avoid contact with the animal and surrounding area.
• Record what you see if it is safe to do so.
• Report it online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Symptoms of bird flu in people

Symptoms of bird flu in humans can feel like the flu. They include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, headache, and red or sore eyes.

If you are unwell and have been exposed to H5N1 bird flu:

• Seek medical advice and tell your GP about any possible contact with a sick or dead bird in the past 10 days.
• Wear a face mask and call ahead before attending your appointment so you can be seen separately from other patients if needed.

Wellbeing and support

It is normal for people to have strong emotional or physical reactions to distressing events.

Animal disease outbreaks affect different community members in different ways.

It is understandable to feel distressed and anxious when the future is uncertain. This is natural. If you feel overwhelmed, it is important to ask for help. Encourage friends and family to seek help too, if needed.

Support services

Support is available through:

• Your general practitioner (GP)
• Your local mental health and wellbeing locals
• Children’s health and wellbeing locals
• Your mental health specialist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or social worker

If someone is immediate risk of harm, call Triple Zero (000).

For 24-hour crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Find more mental health information and resources on the Better Health Channel.

More information

For more information about H5N1 bird flu and risk to human health:

• Visit the Better Health Channel – bird flu
• Contact your local public health unit