Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a serious infectious disease affecting poultry and wild birds in Australia, and across the world. Avian influenza has many different viral strains, some of which can infect humans and other animals.
There are two types of bird flu that have been making headlines recently - the H7 strains and H5N1.
Victorian outbreak
The 2024 outbreak of bird flu in Victoria was caused by two H7 strains. This sadly resulted in the mass culling of millions of infected poultry across eight farms, in order to protect the lives of many more uninfected poultry across the state and country.
Overseas outbreak
The highly infectious H5N1 strain of bird flu has spread to all continents apart from Australia; however, the spring migration of some shore and sea birds is a high-risk period for the strain arriving in Australia.
This strain has caused the deaths of millions of wild birds and tens of thousands of wild mammals. An outbreak in Australia could have disastrous consequences, especially as one in six Australian birds are already facing the threat of extinction.
How can you help?
There are ways you can help stop the spread of H5N1 before it is detected, including:
- AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife,
- RECORD what you see, and
- REPORT anything unusual via the:
- Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
