Bird flu (avian influenza) is caused by influenza A viruses that mainly affect birds. These viruses can sometimes infect people after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
The disease affects birds in different ways, ranging from mild illness to death. Wild bird migration can occasionally bring avian influenza viruses into Australia.
Outbreaks are taken seriously because certain virus strains can mutate (change), potentially affecting poultry, livestock, wildlife, and humans. Australia has experienced several small outbreaks of bird flu on poultry farms, and a small number of people have developed mild illness after exposure to infected birds.
Poultry refers to domesticated birds raised for meat, eggs, feathers, or as pets — including chickens, turkeys, and ducks.
No. Human infection with bird flu is very rare.
The virus mainly spreads between birds and only occasionally infects humans after close contact with sick or dead birds, or contaminated environments. Person-to-person spread is extremely uncommon.
The risk to the general public in Australia is very low. People at higher risk include those working closely with infected poultry or involved in outbreak response activities.
If you have been in close contact with infected poultry, wild birds, livestock, wildlife, contaminated environments, or people infected with bird flu, monitor your health carefully for 10 days after your last exposure.
If you stay well during this time, you do not usually need to isolate. Your local Public Health Unit (PHU) may contact you to check on your health.
Your healthcare team may also advise you to get the seasonal flu vaccine to help protect against other influenza viruses and reduce the risk of getting sick with multiple infections at the same time.
Follow the NSW Health guide for monitoring yourself. Watch for any symptoms like:
In a medical emergency, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department. Tell the ambulance or hospital staff that you may have been in contact with bird flu.
Bird flu is diagnosed by testing a sample taken from your nose or throat to check for the virus.
If you have been diagnosed with bird flu, your doctor or public health team may recommend antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These medicines can help reduce the severity of illness if taken early.
People who develop more serious illness may need hospital care. Antibiotics may be used if a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, develops.
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