We are hearing more about the spread of H5N1 bird flu in Australia.
What is the new ‘H5N1’ strain of bird flu? How dangerous is it – and, what can we do to slow its spread?
What is H5N1 bird flu?
Bird flu viruses occur naturally in both poultry and wild birds and most are not dangerous. However, in 2021 a new strain emerged known as H5N1. This virus has proved to be very harmful to poultry, wild birds and mammals around the world, causing serious illness and deaths, although the risk to humans is low. In June 2026, bird flu reached Australia, the last continent globally to be affected.
How is it spread?
H5N1 bird flu has spread rapidly around the world via migratory birds such as shorebirds and waterfowl. Marine mammals such as seals and sea lions have also been affected as well as domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, goats, alpacas and pigs. The virus can spread in infected birds through body fluids, droppings and feathers and via human activity including contaminated clothing and shoes, vehicles and equipment.
What are the signs of bird flu?
It is not always easy to identify infected animals – there may not always be obvious symptoms. Affected wild birds may show the following signs:
• Inability to stand, walk, or fly properly
• Droopy or puffed-up appearance
• Breathing problems (panting or sneezing)
• Unusual head or neck posture
• Sudden death (especially in large numbers).
H5N1 can only be officially confirmed via laboratory testing.
What species are most at risk?
In Australia, birds and mammals have been categorised as being at higher or lower risk based on the following factors:
• How likely the animal is to encounter the disease (e.g. birds that share environments with migratory birds are more likely to catch the virus)
• How vulnerable the animal is to a new threat due to its low population in the wild or habit loss (e.g. the Alligator River Yellow Chat)
• If the animal is a scavenger and likely to eat infected animals (e.g. dingoes, Tasmanian devils).
What can you do?
It is important to keep pets such as dogs and cats away from wildlife as they may investigate dead or dying animals and spread the virus. Your pet may also be at risk of catching the disease – this has occurred overseas. Keep dogs on a leash when you are near wildlife and keep cats indoors at night to reduce the risks.
If you see a bird that appears unwell there are three simple actions to take:
- Avoid
Keep your distance to avoid the risk of spreading the virus via your clothing or shoes. - Record what you see
Take photos or a video and record the date and time, location, type or description of birds, how many birds are sick or dead and what they look like (e.g. freshly dead or just bones, signs of disease). - Report it
Call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
You will be directed to your state and territory government.
More information
You can find out more at:
• Bird flu (Avian influenza) – DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestries)
• Wildlife Health Australia
• Save Birds. Save Life. - BirdLife Australia
Sandra Rigby