Current situation
High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has been confirmed in two vagrant migratory seabirds on Western Australia's southern coast. This is the first time the globally circulating H5 bird flu strain has been detected in Australia.
There is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or spread to other animals. There has been no detection in poultry.
This strain of avian influenza has had significant impacts overseas, causing widespread mortality in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.
There have been no detections of H5 bird flu in NSW to date, however it is important that we all continue to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead poultry, wild birds or wildlife.
If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them.
Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
Australia has well-established national response arrangements in place to respond to animal disease incidents, including H5 bird flu.
The NSW Government is reminding poultry producers that on-farm biosecurity practices are crucial to protect the health of their flocks.
For more information, visit Bird flu (Avian influenza) - DAFF.
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds that is found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI). High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) is currently impacting all parts of the world and has recently been confirmed for the first time in Australia in a wild migratory bird on the southern coast of Western Australia.
While we have responded to HPAI H7 detections in NSW in the past, there has never been a detection of H5 bird flu in NSW. Despite this, we must remain aware of the threat of H5 bird flu arriving.
H5 bird flu differs from other avian influenza strains and has caused mass mortalities in poultry and many wild birds overseas, as well as some mammals, particularly marine mammals.
H5 bird flu:
- spreads more easily than other bird flu strains
- can kill large numbers of poultry, wild birds and some mammals
- has no effective treatment
- usually leads to poor outcomes for infected birds and mammals
NSW has been preparing for a possible outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australia and is working to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. This includes considering the potential impacts to animals, people and our ecosystems.
Report sick or dead birds or wildlife
If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, and their environment.
- Record what you see.
- Report it using this online form or call 1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below.
What you should report to us:
- Five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in NSW.
- Two or more sick or dead backyard poultry or pet birds.
Or one or more individuals from a high-risk species:
- Sick or dead penguin or pelican.
- Sick or dead bird of prey (for example, hawk, owl, eagle).
- Sick or dead black swan.
- Sick or dead marine mammal (for example, seal, sea lion, dolphin).
About H5 bird flu and the risk to NSW
Symptoms of the disease and the current situation
Advice for Government agencies
Advice for government agencies on the management of H5 bird flu
Poultry and captive bird keepers
Minimise the risk to your poultry and kept birds
H5 bird flu and livestock
Find out about the risk to livestock and how to prepare your property
Information for veterinarians
Management of suspected cases of H5 bird flu
Protecting our native species from H5 bird flu
How we can protect our native species
Advice for First Nations communities
Find out the risks and how to stay safe
H5 bird flu resources
Factsheets, flyers and other resources