A new strain of bird flu is spreading around the world and could pose a serious threat to some groups of Australian animals. The bird flu outbreak has already caused widespread illness and death of wild birds in other parts of the world but (as of September 2024) has not yet arrived in Australia. As a front-line conservation organisation with ecologists across the country, Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) stands ready to detect and report cases of bird flu when it arrives. You can help by understanding the risks to wildlife, being vigilant to signs of the disease, and reporting any observations of sick animals.
What is the virus causing this outbreak?
The current global outbreak of bird flu is caused by a variant of the influenza virus which is most often found in ducks and other water birds. Since 2021 this form of the virus (officially named HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b) has caused unprecedented outbreaks among wild birds and in domestic poultry flocks on all continents except Australia. The virus is mostly spread between birds, but it can also be transmitted to some species of mammals. Although avian influenza does not normally infect humans, some subtypes have been associated with disease in humans ranging from mild illness to severe disease.
What are the effects of infection on wildlife?
Animals infected with bird flu can become severely ill and die. Symptoms in sick birds can include loss of coordination, trembling, drooping wings, and respiratory issues. The mortality rate for infected birds varies between species and depends on a range of factors. Mass mortalities have occurred in some species, for example 40% of pelicans in Peru had died within 12 months after the virus reached South America in 2022.
Which Australian species are at greatest risk?
Based on observed patterns of the bird flu outbreak overseas, some Australian bird groups are likely to be more highly susceptible than others. Waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds and predatory and scavenging birds are disproportionately affected. In Australia, that includes threatened shorebirds like the Bar-tailed Godwit, which migrates thousands of kilometres to breed over summer in the northern hemisphere before returning to Australia in the southern spring. Among mammals, seals and sea lions are vulnerable to infection, as are scavengers. Scientists fear that an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in Australia could have devastating consequences on wild animal populations and could pose an extinction risk for some threatened species.
What to do if you find sick or dead wildlife
The chance of H5N1 bird flu being detected in Australia increases with the arrival of migratory shorebirds during Spring in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a time when wildlife watchers can help by being extra vigilant for signs of bird flu in wild animals.
- Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, view from a distance and keep pets well away.
- Record what you see: the number of dead wild birds, species, location, date and time (from a distance using binoculars or a camera).
- Report any unusual sickness or mortality in wildlife via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. This will alert authorities who can evaluate if testing or further investigation is warranted.
Signs to look out for:
- Sick or dead wild birds of any species, in particular seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds and birds of prey.
- Symptoms of infection including lack of coordination, inability to stand or fly, respiratory signs including coughing or wheezing sounds or difficulty breathing.
