Avian influenza
Avian influenza in humans, also known as bird flu, is a type A influenza virus.
It is lethal to poultry and is potentially fatal in humans.
Bird flu spreads between wild birds, domesticated birds, and poultry. It can also be passed on to humans.
Australia recorded its first human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), type H5N1, in a traveller who returned from overseas in March 2024. Different HPAI types, H7N3 and H7N9, have also been detected in Victorian poultry farms in May 2024.
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.
Avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
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 .
Notifiable disease
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease.
Information for health professionals
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Avian influenza in humans – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care |
Information for the public
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Webpage | Avian influenza in humans (bird flu) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care |
Contact
Contact the Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.
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