Avian Influenza info for Bird Owners

Avian influenza (“bird flu”) is not a single disease — there are many different strains, and they behave very differently.

In 2024, Australia experienced outbreaks of H7 avian influenza strains, including H7N8, in commercial poultry. These outbreaks were rapidly identified and successfully contained through strict quarantine and biosecurity measures.

As of mid 2026 avian influenza strain H5N1 has been identified in NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and this week, in Queensland.

Unlike the Australian H7 outbreaks, the current H5N1 strain has shown an unprecedented ability to infect a wide range of species and has caused devastating losses in poultry, aviary birds, wild birds and some mammals overseas.

Dogs and cats overseas have also developed severe and sometimes fatal disease after consuming raw meat or carcasses from infected animals. This highlights the importance of avoiding raw feeding from uncertain sources during periods of increased avian influenza risk.

This strain of avian influenza could have major impacts on kept birds, backyard flocks, commercial poultry, native wildlife, and the economy. Authorities are closely monitoring the global situation and preparing for a possible outbreak in Australia.

If you see a dead bird, or more importantly, a cluster of dead birds DO NOT handle them without protective gear including gloves, and masks. Even if contact is accidental, wash hands thoroughly.

As a bird owner, you can help protect your birds and others by staying alert:

* Watch for signs of illness such as sudden death, breathing problems, swelling, or changes in behaviour.

* Avoid contact with wild birds, especially if they appear sick or dead.

* Keep your birds enclosed and away from areas where wild birds gather.

* Report unusual illness or deaths in your birds to your vet or call the

Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24/7).

If you have found a sick bird, please call the clinic on 9653 1622 so we can prepare

The virus spreads through:

• * direct contact between infected and healthy birds
  • * contact with contaminated equipment, cages, vehicles, feed or water
    • * faeces, saliva or other secretions from infected birds
      • * people, footwear and clothing carrying the virus between sites

Wild birds, particularly migratory waterbirds, can carry the virus without showing signs of illness.

Clinical signs of infection with H5N1 bird flu in birds include:

• * sudden death without clinical signs
• * lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
• * droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
• * purple discolouration or bruising of the wattles, combs and legs
• * respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing
• * swelling around the head and neck, incoordination, inability to walk or stand
• * watery or green diarrhoea
• * sudden decrease in egg production

Avian influenza can only be confirmed through laboratory testing of samples collected by a veterinarian or government animal health officer.

If you notice something unusual, talk to your local vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

You can reduce the risk of bird flu entering your property by practising good biosecurity. Follow these steps:

Maintain cleanliness

• * clean sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment with detergent
• * after cleaning, disinfect with household bleach or a disinfectant effective against viruses (for example, F10 or Virkon S)
• * implement effective pest control

Provide safe water

• * use clean, chlorinated domestic water for drinking and washing
• * keep birds away from natural water sources such as streams, dams and ponds

Limit wild bird contact

• * place food and water inside shelters to prevent contamination
• * use fencing or netting to separate free-range birds from wild birds

Quarantine new birds

• * isolate new birds before adding them to your flock
• * monitor them closely for any signs of illness

Control visitor access

• * minimise the movement of people, vehicles and equipment to and from bird areas and keep records of movements
• * check whether visitors have been in contact with other birds or poultry

Maintain records

• * keep records of poultry, captive bird and egg movements

Avoid mixing at bird shows

• * prevent your birds from having direct contact with birds from other flocks
• * clean and disinfect equipment and cages after attending shows or markets

Practice good hygiene

• * wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds or eggs
• * wear clean clothes and footwear when entering enclosures
• * keep a separate set of boots and clothing for working with birds if possible

What to do if you suspect bird flu

* Early detection is key to minimising the impact of H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu).

If you see unusual disease signs, behaviour, or unexplained death in your poultry, kept birds or wildlife:

• * do not touch or handle them — avoid contact with sick or dead birds or wildlife and their surroundings
• * keep pets away from carcasses or bird droppings
• * record what you observe
• * report groups of sick or dead birds immediately to your veterinarian or contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease, which means you must, by law, report a suspect bird flu case or outbreak.