Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infection caused by influenza A viruses that mainly affect birds. It can sometimes spread to people and other animals.
Bird flu infections in people are rare. Most people who become infected have been in close contact with sick birds or contaminated environments. Spread of bird flu from one person to another is extremely rare.
The best-known bird flu strains are H5N1 and H7N9. These strains have caused serious illness and deaths in other countries. In Australia, one person has been diagnosed with H5N1 after becoming infected overseas. No human cases of H7N9 have been reported in Australia.
Australia has experienced small outbreaks of less severe bird flu strains in poultry farms. In some cases, people who handled infected birds developed mild illness.
Bird flu spreads mainly through direct contact with infected animals or their products, saliva, nasal secretions or droppings. The virus can also spread indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, water or dust where infected birds have been.
Chicken meat and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly.
Bird flu rarely spreads from person to person. It usually happens only after close, prolonged contact with an infected person without protective equipment. Sustained spread between people has not been reported for the H5N1 strain currently circulating globally.
Most people are at very low risk of getting bird flu.
People at higher risk are those who have close or prolonged contact with infected birds or animals, or contaminated environments.
People most at risk include:
For travellers going overseas, your risk remains low if you avoid contact with sick or dead birds and live animal markets, and follow good hygiene practices.
Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
You can reduce your risk of bird flu by avoiding contact with sick birds or animals and following good hygiene practices, especially if you are travelling to areas where bird flu outbreaks are occurring.
Follow your workplace infection control procedures and use personal protective equipment as indicated, such as:
Read the national guidelines for avian influenza, protecting people who work with birds and wildlife for more information.
Stay up to date with your seasonal flu vaccination. While it does not protect against bird flu, it can reduce the chance of getting seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time.
If you use a rainwater tank for drinking water, follow advice on managing rainwater tanks.
Most people who are exposed to bird flu do not develop symptoms, or only have mild illness. Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal influenza and usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure.
Symptoms may include:
In rare cases, bird flu can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, encephalitis, neurological changes or death.
If you have been exposed to bird flu, a Public Health Unit will assess your risk and advise on what to do next.
You may be considered a contact if you had exposure to infected animals or products, contaminated environments or objects, or a person with bird flu.
Depending on your level of exposure, the Public Health Unit may advise you to monitor for symptoms, have testing, start antiviral medicine or take steps to reduce the risk to others.
If a Public Health Unit has assessed you as a contact, read the information for:
For more information, read Information for people who have been exposed to bird flu or call your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
If a sick or dead bird/animal has been brought into a home, garage or other indoor area, clean any surfaces or items that may have been contaminated with droppings, respiratory secretions or feathers with detergent and water and then disinfect using a household disinfectant with antiviral action following the manufacturer's instructions.
Wear disposable gloves while cleaning and avoid generating dust or aerosols (such as sweeping, vacuuming, hosing or pressure-washing). If you need to do aerosol-generating activities, wear a P2/N95 mask and eye protection. Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning. Seal contaminated disposable materials in a plastic bag before putting them in the bin. Clean and disinfect any other non-disposable cleaning equipment after use.
Bird flu in humans is a notifiable disease. This means that any suspected or confirmed case must be reported to a public health unit so infection control measures can be taken to help prevent further spread and protect the community.
Bird flu is diagnosed by testing a sample taken from your nose or throat.
Call your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 if you have symptoms of bird flu and have recently been in contact with sick or dead birds, other animals or someone with bird flu. They can help you access rapid testing and provide advice on monitoring your health and protecting others.
If you need medical care, call ahead and tell them about your symptoms and possible exposure to bird flu.
If you test positive for bird flu, your local Public Health Unit will advise you on what to do next. This may include staying at home, wearing a mask and practising good hand hygiene to avoid spreading the virus to others.
They may recommend antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These medicines can help reduce the severity of illness if started early.
If your illness is more severe, you may need hospital care.
Antibiotics do not treat bird flu, but may be used if you develop a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia.
Being exposed to bird flu, seeing sick or dead animals, or working in an industry affected by bird flu may be distressing. Support is available.
You can contact:
