High pathogenic avian influenza

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Global outbreak

The H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe illness and death in poultry, wild birds and some other wildlife species. Human cases are rare and not easily transmitted between people.

H5 bird flu has been detected in a small number of individual vagrant, migratory birds in other Australian states. Currently, there is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or spread to other animals, and no detection of this strain in Victoria. This strain is more concerning than previous strains, as it not only causes mass mortality in poultry but also in wild birds and some mammals. This strain is different from the HPAI H7 strains that have recently been detected on Victorian poultry farms.

H5 bird flu has been spreading across the world since 2021, infecting hundreds of species of wild birds and more than 50 species of mammals.

For more information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Image: David Paul, Museums Victoria

Potential impact of H5 bird flu

Based on experiences in other parts of the world, if the virus enters Victoria, it is likely that there will be substantial wildlife deaths.

There is no effective treatment for H5 bird flu and the prognosis for animals with the disease is poor.

Those animals that survive are usually in poor condition and may continue to shed the virus, which poses a risk to other animals.

Although any bird species can become infected, bird groups associated with water are highly susceptible and this includes ducks, geese, swans, gulls, terns, shorebirds, seabirds, pelicans, herons, ibis, cormorants and penguins. Species that live in large colonies of a single species are particularly suspectable.

Predatory birds and scavenger species are also at risk due to the high likelihood they might consume infected animals.

Infected animals experience rapid deterioration in health and can die from the effects of the virus within a matter of hours to days.

Avian influenza rarely spreads to humans but may occur if there is close contact with infected birds, droppings or heavily contaminated environments. Further information can be found on the Victorian Department of Health website.

Signs of H5 bird flu in wildlife

The most critical indicator of H5 bird flu in wild birds and wildlife is sudden death.

Other signs of H5 bird flu in wild birds are:

• lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
• twisted neck or other unusual posture
• inability to stand or fly
• diarrhoea
• difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
• swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes.

Reporting suspected cases in wildlife

Reporting will be key to the early detection of H5 bird flu in Victoria.

What to do if you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife with signs of H5 bird flu.

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
• RECORD what you see
• REPORT to DEECA using this form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below.

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one sick or dead:

• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

Following a report, DEECA will evaluate the need for diagnostic testing for further investigation.

We acknowledge that this has the potential to be distressing for people. We thank the community for their assistance.

You can view reports on our interactive map, which shows where cases have been reported across Victoria and helps understand what is being seen in your area.

Emergency preparedness

The Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) is the Control Agency for managing emergency animal diseases, the department is the lead for Victoria’s emergency response to an H5 bird flu incursion.

We are also working closely with government agencies, land managers, the wildlife welfare sector, Traditional Owners and other relevant organisations to prepare for a potential H5 bird flu detection in Victoria.

There are limited options for responding to the potential impacts of H5 bird flu on wildlife.

Our extensive emergency preparedness activities have included:

• identifying and prioritising at-risk species and locations and developing preparedness and response plans
• investing in improved biosecurity measures at wildlife facilities that house important captive populations of priority threatened species.
• working with the Commonwealth, states and territories over the past two years to prepare for a potential detection of the highly contagious disease
• implementing actions that reduce other threats (e.g. controlling introduced predators, herbivores and weeds) to help build resilience in at-risk species and at priority locations
• establishment of a wildlife-focused Victorian Agency Expert Advisory Group to advise on risks and priorities for wildlife, threatened species and culturally important species.

Surveillance

We are undertaking ongoing surveillance for avian influenza virus in wild birds under the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program which is coordinated by Wildlife Health Australia.

In the event of an outbreak, government agencies will work closely with industry, community, wildlife groups, Traditional Owners and other public land managers as part of the emergency response.

Shearwater mortalities

While it is common to find dead migratory birds each year, large numbers of dead shearwaters were found along Victoria’s coastlines last spring.

To date, testing of the shearwaters across Victoria's coastline has not found evidence of H5 bird flu.

Events such as these, known as ‘shearwater wrecks’, occur occasionally when foraging conditions are not favourable and birds cannot find enough food.

Shearwaters make long migratory journeys and exhaustion contributes to these deaths, as the birds return to Victoria for their breeding season.

It is important for continued vigilance due to the potential for H5 bird flu to arrive in Victoria with migratory birds.

We continuing to ask the community to report sick or dead shearwaters, in line with our reporting guidance.

Following all reports, DEECA will evaluate the need for diagnostic testing or other investigation.

Information for wildlife organisations and wildlife carers

In addition to the above advice, it is important for wildlife shelters and foster carers to be aware of the following.

• It is important to ensure you are complying at all times with your authorisation conditions, including the requirement to quarantine wildlife coming into your care. More information on how to comply with this and other conditions can be found in our Wildlife Rehabilitator Authorisation Guide and Victorian Wildlife Rehabilitation Guidelines.
• Moving sick or dead birds or wildlife that are infected with H5 bird flu could spread disease and put you and other wildlife at risk. Always wear personal protective equipment when handling at-risk species, including gloves, facemask, goggles, coveralls and footwear that can be cleaned (such as gumboots).
• Maintaining good biosecurity processes minimises the likelihood that the disease may spread from wild populations to animals already in care.

Resources

• Wildlife Health Australia – H5N1 global outbreak
• Department of Health

For information reporting suspected cases of H5 bird flu in poultry, and information for poultry farmers and keepers, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.