H5N1 bird flu
Since 2021, a new strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), known as H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, has spread rapidly around the world, causing widespread disease and death in wild birds and other wildlife, including marine mammals.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has not been detected in Australia yet, but Tasmanians should expect it to arrive. Wild birds that migrate from places where outbreaks of bird flu continue to occur will likely bring it to Australia.
Human health
It is important that people who have contact with wildlife are aware of bird flu, so that any risks to themselves and other animals are minimised.
Vaccination with seasonal flu vaccine is strongly recommended for everyone who handles wildlife regularly, including wildlife rehabilitators and rescuers. While the flu vaccine doesn't protect against avian influenza it can help stop it mixing with the regular seasonal flu virus and prevent new mutated viruses.
Most people are not at risk of bird flu. You may be at risk if you have direct and close contact with infected animals or contaminated material in areas where bird flu is present.
To stay safe 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:
Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any birds and equipment.
For more human health information visit the Tasmanian Department of Health
website.
Support services
An outbreak of bird flu could lead to mass mortality events and is likely to cause significant community concern for those that work and volunteer with animals.
If you need support, services are 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
More resources
can be found on the
Department of Health website.
Which wildlife species are likely to be affected in Tasmania?
Birds (native and introduced): all wild bird species in Tasmania could be affected. Overseas, wild birds commonly affected include waterfowl, shorebirds, and sea birds, as well as scavenging and predatory birds.
Mammals (native and introduced): mammals that consume or come in contact with birds and marine mammals are also at risk.
What to look out for
Clinical signs of avian influenza in live wild 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.
See more information on Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).
What is the Government doing to prepare?
Australia's well-established biosecurity system plays a critical role in maintaining a strong and healthy environment and supports the success of our agricultural sector. NRE Tas is prepared for and practised in emergency animal disease response. The Department has coordinated and taken part in many local and national discussion exercises to test its preparedness.
Tasmania’s response follows the Animal Health Australia AUSVETPLAN response strategy for emergency animal disease. This sets out the nationally agreed approach to respond to an outbreak of bird flu. We are also adapting resources from
Wildlife Health Australia for risk assessment to be fit for purpose for our state and wildlife. We are collaborating with interstate colleagues and federal departments on risk assessment methodology and policy related to bird flu.
The Department also continues to work closely with relevant industries, vets, and other government agencies and the community to help everyone understand the risks, impacts and the role we all have in protecting Tasmania.
NRE Tas wildlife experts are working to identify the risk to threatened species and biodiversity to inform preparedness planning and response.
What can I expect in an outbreak?
When bird flu arrives in Tasmania, here is what might happen:
Activities like wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, hunting, and mutton bird harvesting may need to pause
There could be large numbers of sick or dead animals visible in the community
It may not be possible to remove all dead animals from an area
Some areas may be closed off for varying amounts of time to prevent disease spread and eliminate the 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.
Bird flu in animals cannot be treated so it is important Tasmanians understand infected animals will likely die.
Pet bird owners
Some native bird species are kept as pets in Tasmania. Bird flu can spread quickly by bird-to-bird contact, as well as through contact with contaminated material such as drinking water and food, faeces and equipment.
Information on the steps you can take to protect your pet birds is on the
Protecting Domestic Poultry and Birds from Emergency Animal Diseases webpage and the
Biosecurity Checklist for Bird Keepers.
It is illegal to release pet birds into the wild under the
Nature Conservation Act 2002.
When bird flu is detected there may be restrictions on importing and exporting wildlife, including pet birds.
Members of the community who rescue and rehabilitate wildlife for release back into the wild should continue to practice biosecurity measures as detailed in the
National Wildlife Biosecurity Guidelines. It is highly recommended that you review Wildlife Health Australia’s
Risk Mitigation Toolbox for Wildlife Care Providers.
There is no effective treatment for H5 bird flu that wildlife rehabilitators can provide to infected birds or mammals.
Wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators can catch bird flu from wildlife in their care. If you must handle sick or dead birds, you can help protect yourself by wearing PPE. If you develop flu-like symptoms while handling wildlife, contact your health care provider.
When bird flu is detected in Tasmania it is likely that there will be restrictions on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation activities, including movement restrictions. This may be localised or state-wide. The Government will keep wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators informed.
Accessing veterinary treatment for injured wildlife and sourcing poultry products to feed animals undergoing rehabilitation may become difficult.
If you suspect wildlife in your care have bird flu phone the
Emergency Animal Disease hotline as soon as possible on 1800 675 888.
Scientific permit holders
Researchers working with birds must be vigilant for the signs of bird flu. When bird flu is detected in Tasmania it is likely that there will be impacts on research activities, including access to sites and movement restrictions. This may be localised or state-wide. The Government will keep permit holders informed.
It is important that you do not touch sick or dead animals. If you suspect that wildlife you are working with have bird flu phone the
Emergency Animal Disease hotline as soon as possible on 1800 675 888.