Bird flu

A serious and highly contagious strain of bird flu is spreading in birds and mammals throughout the world. While H5 avian influenza (bird flu) hasn’t been found in Australia yet, you can help us to be prepared.

How it spreads

The virus can pass between birds through infected droppings, breathing, contaminated environments and close contact. There is a risk of spreading to people if they handle sick or dead birds, and to other mammals that may prey on sick birds or eat dead birds.

Human health

While the risk to people in Australia is low, it’s still important to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and animals.

Signs to watch for in birds

Look for behaviours and symptoms, such as:

• difficulty moving such as droopy wings, dragging legs and lying down
• unusual behaviour or posture - twisting of the neck, paralysis, staggering
• tiredness/lethargy
• coughing, sneezing or trouble breathing
• diarrhoea
• deaths of multiple birds.

What to do if you see sick birds or mammals

• Bird flu is serious and needs to be reported if you suspect it
• DO NOT rescue, touch or move sick or dead birds or animals
• If you find sick or dead birds, or other animals, take photos or a video (if you can safely), record your location and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Be prepared

birdflu.gov.au

Content based on information available as of March 2025