Bird flu (avian influenza)

What is Bird flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease of birds and is caused by several different strains of the bird flu virus. It spreads between both wild and domesticated birds and certain strains can infect mammals including seals, livestock and occasionally humans.

There are lots of different subtypes (strains) of avian influenza. Some subtypes, including H5N1, are more likely to cause disease and death in poultry. These are known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. Other strains are less likely to cause death and disease and are called low pathogenic.

There are no notified cases of avian influenza in humans in Tasmania.

What are the symptoms?

When people are infected with bird flu, no symptoms, or mild symptoms such as red sore eyes (conjunctivitis) or mild respiratory symptoms are most common. 

However, some strains of bird flu can cause symptoms similar to severe human flu (fever, cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, headache). Pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and diarrhoea may occur.

Symptoms may appear between 1 and 10 days following exposure.

How is it spread?

Bird flu (avian influenza) spreads by direct contact with infected birds or their saliva/faeces. Spread can occur from indirect contact through virus containing droplets or dust. 

Animal influenza viruses are distinct from human seasonal influenza viruses and do not easily transmit between humans. 

Person-to-person transmission is very rare but can occur when a person spends prolonged periods caring for an infected person and does not wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

The risk of human avian influenza infection from consuming animal products from areas with avian influenza is very low if the products are cooked properly. 

Who is at risk?

Most people are not at risk of bird flu, except if they come into close contact with infected birds or their secretions, in areas where bird flu is present. 

Where bird flu occurs humans who have close contact with sick birds or mammals are at risk of infection with bird flu, such as poultry workers or wildlife carers. This can happen when virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. 

How is it diagnosed?

Swabs from the nose and throat are tested to diagnose avian influenza.

Inform your doctor if you have symptoms and have been in close contact with sick birds or animals in the wild or at work or have travelled recently to a country or region with avian influenza

How is it treated?

Antiviral medicines for human influenza (flu) can also prevent severe illness from avian influenza. Your doctor will provide specific treatment and advice, based on your needs.

How is it prevented?

Be aware of the risk of bird flu if you are travelling to, or living in, a country where outbreaks are occurring in birds or mammals. 

People travelling to areas affected by bird flu should:

• avoid poultry farms and live bird "wet " markets
• avoid contact with wild or domesticated birds, sick or dead birds or mammals
• wash their hands thoroughly after handling birds and uncooked poultry products such as meat or eggs
• ensure that poultry or poultry products are cooked thoroughly before eating.

The seasonal flu vaccine doesn't protect against avian influenza. However, it can help prevent the mixing of bird flu with seasonal flu virus, which can prevent new mutated viruses that could spread rapidly. Vaccination with seasonal influenza vaccine is strongly recommended.

People who are working with infected birds, must use personal protective equipment (including P2 or N95 respirator/mask, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing), follow infection control protocols, and may require anti-viral medication.

Information for travellers

If you are travelling overseas, check the health advice for each country you are visiting on Smartraveller.gov.au.

Information for clinicians

Healthcare workers must notify Public Health Services on 1800 671 738 if you suspect someone has avian influenza. 

Public Health will follow up to understand how they got the infection, and to determine if any other people may be at risk.

More information

For further information and advice visit the Australian Government Centre for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov.au/topics/bird-flu

For information about bird flu in animals visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment website (Biosecurity Tasmania) at www.nre.tas.gov.au/ai