Current situation

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly infectious disease that can cause severe illness and death in poultry. A new strain of HPAI, H5N1, is also causing disease in wild birds, mammals and in rare cases people in parts of the world.

HPAI strain H5N1 has not been detected in animals in Australia to date.

The H7 strain of HPAI virus has recently caused outbreaks in Australian poultry. This is different to the H5N1 strain that’s impacting the USA and other parts of the world. Further information on the H7 outbreak in poultry can be found at Agriculture Victoria’s website.

Black swan and cygnets Werribee David Paul

    Image: David Paul, Museums Victoria

HPAI H5N1

Since 2021, the subtype HPAI H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4.b) has spread rapidly across the world and infected a wide range of animals, including hundreds of species of wild birds and, more than 50 species of mammals. This strain differs from previous avian influenza strains, as it not only causes mass mortality in poultry but also of wild birds and some mammals. Australia is the only large continental land mass that is currently free from this strain.

Due to the global H5N1 situation, there is an increased risk of HPAI H5N1 arriving in Australia. As such, there is increased risk of outbreaks in local wild birds and other native wildlife as well as farmed and backyard poultry.

Any outbreak of HPAI H5N1 would require a rapid and effective emergency response. Government agencies would work closely with industry, community, wildlife groups during this process.

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 at Agriculture Victoria’s website.

With the increased risk of arrival of HPAI H5N1 in Australia, it is important for Victorians who encounter sick or dead wild birds are aware of HPAI, to ensure they minimise the risks to themselves and other animals. Signs of sickness are:

  • sudden death
  • lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
  • twisted necks 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.

Victorian preparedness

The Victorian Government undertakes surveillance for avian influenza virus in wild birds under the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program which is coordinated by Wildlife Health Australia.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is working closely with a number of land managers, including Phillip Island Nature Parks and other relevant organisations, to prepare for a potential HPAI H5N1 detection in Victoria.

If you find sick or dead wild birds

* AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds and their environment. Do not touch or collect sick or dead wild birds.

* RECORD what you see, the location the bird was found, and take photos or video. Do not touch the bird.

* REPORT any mass mortality events in wildlife to DEECA by calling 136 186. While H5N1 is not in Australia, reporting will be key to early detection. Please report:

  • Individual dead seabirds, waterbirds and shorebirds
  • Groups (five or more) of dead wild birds of any other species
  • Groups (five or more) of any bird species displaying the above signs.

More resources

Page last updated: 27/08/24