H5N1 - Risks to People Pets and Wildlife

H5N1 bird flu is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds but can also infect some mammals. This information sheet explains what H5N1 is, how it spreads, why it matters in Australia, what symptoms to watch for in animals, and what the public should do if they find sick or dead wildlife.

‘Bird flu’ refers to avian influenza viruses that primarily affect birds but can sometimes spread to other animals and, rarely, people. This type of spread between animals and humans is known as zoonotic transmission. Several avian influenza strains have previously affected Australian birds, including H7 strains that seriously impacted the poultry industry and led to the culling of more than 2.4 million egg-laying chickens.

H5N1 was first identified in poultry in southern China in 1996 and caused major poultry outbreaks in Hong Kong in 1997. That outbreak included the first known confirmed human infections, with 18 people affected and six deaths reported. From 2003 onwards, H5N1 viruses spread widely among birds across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Avian influenza strains are described as either low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) or high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). LPAI strains usually cause mild disease in wild birds and poultry, but some can evolve into HPAI strains after spreading among poultry. HPAI strains can cause high mortality and pose different risks depending on the strain. H5N1 is classified as a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain and has been spreading globally.

Birds are the most affected by this, but overseas H5 has been detected in cats, dogs, farm animals, marine mammals, foxes and humans.

In June of 2026, Australia had its first detection of the H5N1 bird flu in migratory seabirds but there have been no detections in poultry or the wider agriculture industry.

As of today, Australia has 78 confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu.

·         10 in Western Australia

·         58 in South Australia (including the first confirmed mass mortality event)

·         2 in New South Wales

·         7 in Victoria

·         1 in Queensland

Why H5N1 matters to the public

Bird flu viruses can change quickly. Under certain conditions, mutations may make it easier for the virus to infect people, which could lead to localised outbreaks and, in some circumstances, wider spread. H5N1 may also affect Australia’s agriculture sector, particularly the poultry industry. Overseas, H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry, wild birds and mammals, increasing the chance that people may encounter infected animals. Human infections have occurred, but sustained person-to-person spread has not been reported.

How bird flu spreads

Infected birds can spread the virus through body fluids, droppings, feathers and respiratory particles. The virus can survive in the environment for months and may also spread through contaminated surfaces, clothing, shoes, vehicles and equipment.

Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms in people usually begin 1 to 10 days after infection. People with bird flu may be infectious from one day before symptoms start.

Wild birds

• can’t stand, walk, or fly properly
• droopy or puffed-up appearance
• breathing problems (panting or sneezing)
• unusual head or neck posture
• sudden death (especially in large numbers)

Poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.)

• sudden drop in egg production
• lethargy or not eating/drinking
• swollen head or limbs
• bruising on comb, feet, or skin
• breathing issues or runny nose
• sudden death

Mammals (seals, cows, cats, etc.)

• weakness or tiredness
• trouble walking or breathing
• seizures, tremors or walking in circles
• drooling or runny nose
• sudden illness or death

What to do if you see a sick or dead bird or other animals

·         Do not touch them or get to close!!

·         Do not let your pets near the sick or dead animal

·         Record your location and what you observe. If it is safe to do so, note the type or description of the bird or animal, how many are sick or dead, what they look like, and take photos.

·         Report this information to the 24-Hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

Reporting this information helps detect H5 bird flu early, supports a rapid response, improves understanding of the disease and helps control outbreaks.

People at greater risk of severe disease

Because there are so few human cases and so many subtypes of bird flu, we do not yet fully know which groups are at greater risk of severe disease. 

• babies and children under 5 years old
• older people
• pregnant people
• people with certain chronic conditions
• people who are immunocompromised