Bird flu threat looms: Community urged to watch for signs

GOVERNMENT bodies and local environmental groups have begun warning the community about the increasing possibility of a highly infectious strain of avian influenza reaching Australia, as migratory birds start returning to beaches and waterways across the region.

The H5N1 strain of the viral disease, which is described as a high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), is a respiratory disease that impacts and causes severe illness and death in poultry, wild birds and other animals.

It can also infect mammals, including livestock, scavenger species and marine mammals such as seals and sea lions.

Although this new strain has spread rapidly across North America and other continents since 2021, it has not been detected in Australia and is different to the H7 strain detected earlier this year at about eight poultry farms outside of the Geelong area.

With the increased risk of the disease’s arrival in Australia in the coming months, community members are being urged to be aware of the disease and ensure they minimise the risks to both themselves and other animals.

The most important sign of H5N1 in wild birds is sudden death, but other signs include a lack of co-ordination, an inability to stand or fly, unusual posture, difficulty breathing and swelling around the head, neck and eyes.

Bird flu rarely spreads to humans but may occur if there is close contact with infected birds, droppings or heavily contaminated environments.

“While H5N1 Avian Influenza is not in Australia, reporting will be key to early detection and Victorians are encouraged to report any sick or dead birds including wild, domestic or commercial poultry or wildlife with signs of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI),” a Victorian government spokesperson said.

“Even though it is common to find dead migratory birds this time of year, we’re asking for community members to be extra vigilant because of the potential for this new disease to arrive in Australia.

“This means if you see dead or sick birds: avoid, record and report.

“Do not touch or move dead or sick birds. Instead, take photos, note the location and report clusters of five or more dead or sick birds or wildlife to DEECA by phoning 136 186.

“If you are a keeper of poultry and you also suspect HPAI, please call the national EAD hotline on 1800 675 888.”

HPAI should be considered if a large 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.

Community members are also encouraged to report instances of even one sick or injured penguin, pelican, black swan, marine mammal or bird of prey, such as hawks, owls and eagles.

Federal, state and territory governments are coordinating a national approach to plan and prepare for possible bird flu outbreaks, and both state and Commonwealth agencies are working together to ensure the potential impacts of the H5N1 strain are minimised.

For more information, including H5N1 symptoms and how to report sick or dead birds or wildlife, head to wildlife.vic.gov.au/sick-injured-or-orphaned-wildlife/high-pathogenic-avian-influenza