28
June

Bird Flu

in General

Bird flu (avian influenza) is an infectious viral disease of birds caused by specific influenza A viruses, it is found globally and all bird species are susceptible. Most strains of avian influenza virus are usually asymptomatic in wild birds but can cause severe illness and death in domestic bird species.

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Avian influenza virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI).

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI)

The clinical signs of LPAI infection are variable and influenced greatly by the virulence of the viruses involved, the species affected, age, concurrent disease and the environment.

Clinical signs range from no apparent symptoms to mild or severe symptoms and may include:

respiratory distress (can be confused with infectious laryngotracheitis)
coughing, sneezing, or rasping respiration
rapid drop in feed intake, water intake and egg production
typical “sick bird” signs – ruffled feathers, depression, closed eyes
death of small proportions of the chicken flocks ranging from 3-15%.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

HPAI can cause a high proportion of a flock or group of birds to become ill very quickly – progressing from normal to severe illness or death within 24 to 48 hours.

Clinical signs may include:

sudden death
respiratory signs (dyspnoea, tachypnoea, coughing, sneezing, increased nasal secretions)
swelling and purple discoloration of the head, comb, wattles and neck
rapid drop in feed intake, water intake and egg production
typical “sick bird” signs – ruffled feathers, depression, closed eyes
diarrhoea
neurological signs (twisted neck, inability to stay upright, inability to fly, uncoordinated movement, walking or swimming in circles, partial or full paralysis).

Currently a particular strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) – called H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b – is causing outbreaks in animals overseas. Many poultry, wild birds and mammals have been infected, so the likelihood of people coming in contact with the virus has increased. Although some people have been infected with H5 bird flu overseas, it hasn’t spread from person to person.

In late June 2026 cases of this H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) were confirmed in several migratory seabirds on the southern coast of Western Australia, and one in South Australia. These are the first confirmed detections in Australia.

At this stage, there is no evidence that the virus has spread beyond these birds, and it is too early to say whether H5 bird flu is established in Australian wildlife.

There are currently no detections in Victoria and no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or spread to other animals. There has been no detection in poultry, and Australia’s status as free from HPAI in poultry is unchanged under international standards.

The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low. Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.

In Victorian the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), as the lead agency, has established an Incident Management Team (IMT) to coordinate Victoria’s preparedness and response.

Preparedness is well-advanced in support of early detection, assessment and response. If you see something unusual, don’t ignore it.

What you can do

For poultry:

If you suspect avian influenza in poultry, please call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

For birds and wildlife:

AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
RECORD what you see
REPORT wildlife sickness or deaths to DEECA using this form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below. For sick or dead livestock or pets call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one:

wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey.
marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

Following a report, DEECA will assess each report and decide if testing is needed.

Bundoora Veterinary Group and bird flu.

BVG is ready and prepared to do its part in limiting and controlling bird flu.

We have in place internal protocols and procedures designed to conform to government legislation and directions as well as current science.

In line with current knowledge, for our clients and the general public we strongly recommend:

Keeping up to date with the seasonal flu vaccination for everyone older than 6 months. Although it does not protect against bird flu it greatly reduces the chances of being infected with human flu and bird flu at the same time. This reduces your chances of becoming very sick but also reduces the risk of the 2 viruses mixing to create a more dangerous influenza.
Preventing contact between pet birds (including poultry such as chickens and ducks) and wild birds.
Avoiding all personal contact with sick birds or wildlife. Only handle dead birds or wildlife if absolutely necessary and even then, only after taking extreme precautions to protect yourself.
Not allowing cats and dogs to interact or come into contact with sick or dead wild birds or wild mammals.
Not presenting sick or dead wild birds or wild mammals to any of our clinics.
Calling us before presenting sick pet birds and poultry or injured wildlife to any of our clinics.
Keeping up to date with bird flu developments. The Australian and Victorian Governments websites linked below are extremely useful and will be updated as required.

Australian Government website

Victorian Government website

Australian Centre for Disease Control

What to do if you come across a sick, unwell or dead wild bird or wild mammal.

Do not approach, handle or attempt to handle a sick, unwell or dead wild bird or wild mammal or their environment.
Do not present a sick, unwell or dead wild bird or wild mammal to any BVG clinic.
Do not allow cats or dogs to come in contact with a sick, unwell or dead wild bird or wild mammal or their environment.
Do report unwell wild birds and unwell wild mammals using this form.

What to do if your pet bird becomes sick or unwell.

Call a BVG clinic and seek advice.