Bird flu (avian influenza)

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza (also known as bird flu) is an infectious disease of birds caused by several different strains of the Influenza A virus. 

It spreads between both wild and domesticated birds and certain strains can infect other animals including seals, livestock and rarely humans.

There are lots of different strains of avian influenza. Some strains, including H5N1 and H7N9, are more likely to cause severe 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 avian influenza.

A strain of H5N1 has spread rapidly across all continents except Australia. This strain has caused significant illness and deaths in poultry, wild birds and mammals.

There are no known detections of this H5N1 strain  in Australia.

For more information about avian influenza cases detected in Australia visit the Australian Government website.

How is it spread?

Learn about the spread of avian influenza in birds on the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania website.

Human infection with avian influenza is rare. 

Avian influenza can be spread from birds or other animals to humans by:

• direct contact with infected birds or other animals or their fluids, saliva or faeces (droppings) without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Learn more about appropriate PPE for avian influenza. 
• breathing in the virus particles
• contact with droplets or dust that contain virus.

You cannot be infected with avian influenza by eating products from infected birds or other animals that have been cooked properly or pasteurised. Learn more about standard food handling practices. 

Spread of avian influenza viruses from person to person is extremely rare. 

Who is at risk?

Most people are not at risk of avian influenza.

People may be at risk of avian influenza if they come into close contact with infected birds or other animals, or contaminated material in areas where avian influenza is present. 

These people can include:

• poultry workers
• agricultural workers 
• veterinarians, wildlife workers or volunteers who work with or handle potentially infected animals
• people who hunt, handle or butcher wild birds or other animals. 

Learn more about traveling to countries or areas where avian influenza is present.

What are the symptoms?

When people are infected with avian influenza they most commonly have mild symptoms or no symptoms. 

Symptoms may start between one to 10 days after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms include:

• red, sore eyes (conjunctivitis)
• a fever over 38°C
• respiratory symptoms (including sore throat, cough, or difficulty breathing)
• extreme tiredness 
• muscle or joint aches, headache, or neck stiffness
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.

If you have symptoms and have been in close contact with sick birds or other animals in the wild or at work or have travelled recently to a country or region with avian influenza, contact your regular doctor. Let them know you have had contact with sick or dead birds or other animals. 

How is it diagnosed?

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

Tell your doctor you may have been exposed to avian influenza.

How is it treated?

Antiviral medicines for human influenza (flu) can also help prevent severe illness from avian influenza. 

Your doctor will provide specific treatment and advice, based on your needs.

Is there a vaccine for avian influenza?

Annual seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older. 

Vaccination with seasonal flu vaccine is strongly recommended for everyone who works with or handles poultry or wildlife regularly.

Although the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against avian influenza, it can help stop the mixing of avian influenza viruses with the regular seasonal flu viruses which can lead to new strains. 

Learn more about the seasonal flu vaccine.

I work with birds or chickens. What should I do?

What should I do if I see a sick or dead bird or other animal in may backyard or public space? 

Do not touch sick or dead birds or other animals.

If you must handle sick or dead birds or other animals, you can protect yourself by wearing PPE. Learn more in the CDNA National Guidelines for avian influenza - protecting people who work with birds and wildlife. 

It is also important to protect yourself by washing your hands thoroughly after handling birds, other animals and equipment. 

If you come across large numbers of sick or dead birds or other wildlife, please report this to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. 

Please also report any sick or dead threatened species, such as Tasmanian devils or wedge-tailed eagles. 

Can I eat eggs and chicken meat?

You cannot get avian influenza by eating products from infected birds or other animals that have been cooked properly or pasteurised.

Eggs and chicken meat are safe to eat provided they are handled and cooked according to standard food handling practices.

You should always wash your hands well after handling raw food products. 

For more information go to the Food Safety Information Council website.