Avian influenza

Avian influenza in humans, also known as bird flu, is caused by a specific influenza A virus that usually infects birds.

Bird flu in people is rare and often mild, but can cause severe disease or death.

Avian influenza spreads between wild birds, domesticated birds, and poultry. The transmission of avian influenza from birds or animals to humans is very rare. Most people are not at risk unless they have contact with infected birds or animals, or their secretions.

For more information on avian influenza in birds and their symptoms, or to report sick birds, visit the NT Government’s animal health and diseases avian influenza website .

Current situation

Recent detections of H5 avian influenza have been reported in birds in Western Australia and South Australia. This marks the first time this H5 subtype has been identified in an animal in Australia. The same subtype has caused significant mortality in poultry, wild birds, and marine mammals worldwide.

At present, the risk to people in Australia is considered low.

Stay up to date with recommended influenza vaccination. The seasonal flu vaccine won’t protect against bird influenza, but will minimise the risk that people become unwell with both seasonal and bird flu viruses at the same time.

Avoid contact with sick or dead birds. If you find sick or dead birds or animals:

• avoid the area
• record your location and what you see (take photos or video, if possible)
• report this information to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information, visit the Australian Centre for Disease Control's bird flu (avian influenza) site and the Department of Agriculture Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) website.

Notifiable disease

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease.

Information for health professionals

Information for the public