Avian influenza

Bird flu or avian influenza is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals. Since June 2026, the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected in wild seabirds in Australia, with local transmission occurring. There have been no detections in commercial poultry or the wider agriculture industry, and no human cases have been acquired. While the current risk to the public remains low, Australian health and biosecurity authorities continue to monitor the situation.

How bird flu spreads

People can become infected through close contact with infected birds, their droppings, feathers, body fluids or contaminated environments. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare. Properly cooked poultry, eggs and meat remain safe to eat.

Symptoms

Symptoms may develop between one and 10 days after exposure. Illness can range from mild symptoms to severe disease. While human infection is uncommon, anyone experiencing symptoms after contact with sick or dead birds should seek medical advice. Symptoms may include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • red or irritated eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • muscle aches
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

How to protect yourself

To reduce the risk of infection:

  • avoid contact with sick or dead birds
  • wash your hands thoroughly after handling birds or poultry
  • prevent pets from coming into contact with sick or dead birds
  • cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating
  • report sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
  • stay up-to-date with annual seasonal influenza vaccination.

While there is no specific vaccine available for bird flu at the moment, seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended because it reduces the risk of becoming infected with seasonal flu and bird flu strains at the same time and helps lower the chance of flu strains mixing to create new viruses.

Seasonal flu vaccination is strongly recommended for poultry workers, people who work with birds and other animals, people involved in outbreak response, and people travelling overseas to countries where bird flu is present if they have not already had it in the past six months. This includes anyone exposed to potentially infected birds, other animals or contaminated products during a bird flu outbreak. The flu vaccine is available through select GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal health services and local councils, and is free for eligible priority groups.

Who might be at higher risk

People at higher risk of severe illness from influenza include:

  • children under five years
  • older adults
  • pregnant people
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • people with chronic health conditions
  • people who are immunocompromised
  • smokers
  • people with greater exposure to birds, such as poultry workers, bird handlers, wildlife carers and outbreak response personnel.

If you find sick or dead birds

  • Do not touch them
  • Keep children and pets away
  • Record the location and what you observe
  • Report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Prompt reporting helps authorities monitor and respond to potential outbreaks.

Public health response and key message

Australian health and animal health authorities are closely monitoring bird flu through ongoing surveillance, reporting systems and preparedness activities. A coordinated “One Health” approach brings together human, animal and environmental health experts to reduce risks and respond rapidly to any outbreaks.

Bird flu currently poses a low risk to the Australian community, but everyone can help by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, practising good hygiene and reporting unusual bird deaths. Continued vigilance and monitoring remain important to protect both animal and human health.

For more information

Published: August 5th, 2026

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.