This information is for anyone who may have been exposed to avian influenza from poultry or other birds.
Key points:
Avian influenza viruses are common in wild water birds around the world, and usually cause them few problems.
Avian influenza outbreaks among poultry* occur worldwide from time to time, including in Australia. Some strains of avian influenza can cause serious illness and death in infected poultry. All avian influenza in poultry is taken seriously because of the potential for mutations (changes in the virus) that could pose a serious threat to people and poultry.
Only a few avian influenza strains infect people. When they do, they usually cause mild illness including conjunctivitis (eye infections) and flu-like symptoms (fever, headache and tiredness).
Some strains of avian influenza can cause serious illness in people, and can occasionally result in death. These strains have been found in South East Asia, China and the Middle East but not in Australia so far.
* Poultry refers to domesticated birds that are kept for meat, egg laying, for their feathers or as pets. This includes chickens, turkeys and other types of birds.
Poultry infected with avian influenza release large amounts of virus in their faeces which can contaminate the area around them. People are most likely to be infected with the virus by touching infected poultry or surfaces that have faeces on them.
People may also be infected by dust that contains dried faeces by breathing it in or accidentally rubbing it in their eyes. There is also a risk of infection during slaughter, de-feathering, butchering, and preparation of infected poultry.
People cannot be infected with avian influenza by eating chicken, birds or eggs that are cooked well.
No. Avian influenza usually does not readily infect people.
People might be at increased risk of the disease if there is a change in the virus or if they are exposed to large amounts of the virus.
It is important to use protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection, even if the chance of becoming infected is low. It is also important that people working in or visiting a place with infected poultry take actions to protect themselves and others.
Vaccination with the current flu vaccine is recommended for:
It is important to remember that a seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against avian influenza itself. However, a flu vaccine can help to avoid someone becoming infected with multiple strains of influenza at the same time.
If someone was to get both avian influenza and another influenza strain at the same time, the two viruses could mix and produce a new, highly infectious human influenza virus which could be a serious threat to their families and the wider community.
Workers and other people who have been in close contact with poultry infected with avian influenza should carefully monitor their health while working with infected poultry or infected poultry products. Workers should monitor their health for 10 days after last contact with infected poultry.
Any new symptoms should be reported to your local public health unit 1300 066 055.
Monitoring yourself involves watching for any new symptoms, particularly the following:
If new symptoms are detected:
For further health information or to report illness, phone your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.