Avian Influenza (H5 Bird Flu) Update: What Our Community Needs to Know

21 July

‍ At the time of publication of this article was written (2 July 2026), the Australian Government (DAFF) reported that Australia had five cases of H5 bird flu in wild birds confirmed by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

According to the DAFF media release:

There are four confirmed in Western Australia (WA) and one in South Australia (SA). There is no evidence of any mass mortality. There is no evidence of infection in poultry or the agriculture industry. The risk to human health remains low. Australia is well prepared to respond quickly. If you notice multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hourEmergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

‍Given the prevalence of misinformation, please rely on credible information sources such as the DAFF Bird Flu website:https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu

‍Grass-roots surveillance is one of the most effective management actions we can all get involved in. Report birds you think may be affected by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 657 888 and record the time, date and location of your sighting. The signs of the virus include neurological signs (such as incoordination, paralysis, tremors, seizures, poor neck control and arching), respiratory signs (conjunctivitis, laboured breathing, open mouth breathing and panting), diarrhoea, sudden death and mass mortality (more than 5 birds in a cluster).

As a community member, do not attempt to capture or handle dead and dying birds without first gaining expert advice. Some practical tips to manage spread to domestic animals include:

Health monitoring to assist in early detection of any flock problems.
Purchase birds from reputable sources.
Minimise contact with wild birds or other animals.
Minimise non-essential visitor contact with domestic and aviary birds.
Keep new flock introductions separate for 2 to 3 weeks after arrival.
Chlorinate drinking water from a dams, rivers and rainwater to make it safe.
Protect stored food sources

An outbreak of the virus will be catastrophic for our local wild bird populations and the poultry industry. Our greatest defence is early detection and emergency planning

Please keep abreast via the above DAFF website https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu

Grass-roots surveillance will be one of the most effective management actions we can all get involved in. Report birds you think may be affected by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 657 888 and record the time, date and location of your sighting (do not attempt to capture or handle dead and dying birds without first gaining expert advice). The signs of the virus include neurological signs (such as incoordination, paralysis, tremors, seizures, poor neck control and arching), respiratory signs (conjunctivitis, laboured breathing, open mouth breathing and panting), diarrhoea, sudden death and mass mortality (more than 5 birds in a cluster).

Some practical tips to manage spread to domestic animals include: