As migratory birds start to return to Tasmania this spring there is an increased risk of avian influenza, or bird flu, arriving with them.
A strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza, known as H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, has spread rapidly around the world in the past few years, causing widespread disease and death in birds and other animals, including marine mammals.
Like human flu, there are many strains of avian influenza. Less serious ones are described as low pathogenicity avian influenza and more serious ones are known as high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).
The H5 strain of HPAI has not been detected in Tasmania, or Australia, but based on what has occurred worldwide, Tasmanians should expect it will arrive, most likely via wild birds migrating from places where outbreaks continue to occur.
Avian influenza can spread quickly by bird-to-bird contact, as well as through contact with contaminated material such as drinking water and food, manure, farming materials and equipment.
It is not possible to stop infected wildlife entering Tasmania but Biosecurity Tasmania, part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas), is enforcing strict biosecurity laws at mailing centres, airports and ports to minimise the risk of humans introducing pests and diseases, including HPAI.
NRE Tas is prepared for and practised in emergency animal disease response. The Department has coordinated and taken part in multiple local and national discussion exercises to test its preparedness. Among other preparatory activities, it is finalising a Readiness and Response Plan which explains how Tasmania is preparing for the arrival of avian influenza, and what steps will be taken if the disease is confirmed here.
The Department also continues to work with relevant industries, vets, the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sector, other government agencies and the community to help everyone understand the risks, impacts and the role we all have in protecting Tasmania.
What to expect in an outbreak
When HPAI arrives:
it could cause large numbers of bird and wild mammal deaths
it could affect poultry (chicken and egg farms) and other industries
activities like wildlife rescue, hunting, and muttonbird harvesting may need to pause
there could be large numbers of dead animals visible in the community
it may not be possible to remove all dead animals from an area
some areas may be closed for varying amounts of time to prevent disease spread and eliminate risk to human health
scavenging species such as the Tasmanian devil, wedge-tailed eagles, or quolls may become sick and die after eating infected birds
HPAI in wild animals cannot be treated so it’s important Tasmanians understand infected birds will likely die
If you own chickens or pet birds
Avian influenza can spread quickly by bird-to-bird contact, as well as through contact with contaminated material such as drinking water and food, manure, farming materials and equipment.
If you own birds, some simple hygiene practices will help you protect your flock.
Make sure wild birds cannot access the same food and water supply as your birds, don’t use water from sources wild birds also use, and keep your infrastructure and equipment clean.
Wash your hands after handling birds and equipment.
Disease signs and symptoms
Clinical signs of avian influenza in live birds include:
breathing problems like coughing or sneezing
circling
tremors and incoordination
twisted neck
inability to stand or fly
swelling in the head, neck and eyes
change of colour or cloudiness in the eyes
Signs in live mammals include tremors and incoordination, seizures, breathing problems, and runny nose and drooling.
Reporting sick or dead animals
Avian influenza in animals can look like other disease but stay vigilant.
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, especially in large numbers, phone the Emergency Animal Disease hotline as soon as possible on 1800 675 888.
Report any sick or dead threatened species, such as Tasmanian devils or wedge-tailed eagles.
Record the type of animal, numbers, location, time, what you see, and take photos or videos if possible.
It is important you do not touch sick or dead animals.
Human health
Human infections with avian influenza are rare and require direct and close contact with infected animals.
People should avoid touching sick or dead birds or animals.
If you must handle sick or dead birds, you can help protect yourself by wearing PPE which should include:
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any birds and equipment.
An HPAI incursion could see mass mortality events both of birds and, potentially, mammal species and is likely to cause significant community concern, particularly for those that work and volunteer with animals. Support is available through:
Access Mental Health 1800 332 388 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Head to Health Phone Service 1800 595 212 - 8.30am to 5pm weekdays (except public holidays).
A Tasmanian Lifeline 1800 984 434 - 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week
Lifeline 13 11 44
other mental health supports can be found on the Department of Health website
Visit the Tasmanian Department of Health website for more human health information.
More information
Visit the NRE Tas webpage for general avian influenza information.