Avian Influenza

AVIAN INFLUENZA OUTBREAK

The recent detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) in Australia has understandably raised concerns amongst bird owners and the wider community.

At The Wild Vet, we care for companion birds, backyard poultry, wildlife and many other species. Our priority is to continue providing veterinary care while protecting our patients, clients and staff through enhanced biosecurity measures.

The situation is evolving, and our protocols may change as government advice is updated.

For the latest updates on these outbreaks, please refer to the NSW DPI website (links below).

If you are unsure about your bird’s risk category, please phone our clinic on 1300 WILD VET before your appointment.

Please allow extra time for all avian appointments and contact us before visiting if your bird has not been assigned a risk category. We are committed to protecting our patients and the community during this outbreak.

What is H5N1?

H5N1 is a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) that primarily affects birds.

It has caused significant disease outbreaks internationally in:

  • Wild birds
  • Backyard poultry
  • Commercial poultry

 

While Australia has historically remained free of this strain, H5N1 has now been detected on the Australian mainland, meaning enhanced vigilance is now essential.

What are the signs of avian influenza in birds?

Clinical signs can vary but may include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nasal or eye discharge
  • Lethargy
  • Reduced appetite
  • Neurological signs (head tilt, tremors, seizures, incoordination)
  • Sudden death
  • Multiple birds becoming ill at the same time

 

Many of these signs are not specific to H5N1 and can occur with a wide variety of avian diseases.

How is it spread?

Avian influenza spreads primarily through direct contact with infected birds and their secretions, including saliva, nasal discharge and faeces.

The virus may also spread via:

  • Contaminated cages, carriers and equipment
  • Clothing and footwear
  • Vehicles and other contaminated surfaces
  • Contact between wild birds and domestic birds

Dogs and cats are not considered important spreaders under normal circumstances, however they should never be allowed to catch or consume sick or dead birds.

Can pet birds get avian influenza?

Yes. Although the current risk to most companion parrots remains relatively low—particularly those kept indoors with minimal exposure to wild birds—pet birds can become infected.

To reduce risk we recommend:

  • Keeping birds indoors where practical
  • Preventing contact with wild birds
  • Avoiding feeding wild birds near aviaries
  • Washing hands before and after handling birds
  • Cleaning cages, food bowls and equipment regularly
  • Avoiding sharing cages, carriers or equipment between households

Can other species get avian influenza?

While avian influenza primarily affects birds, some strains can infect mammals, including humans. It’s essential to follow biosecurity measures to prevent the spread to other animals and people.

While avian influenza primarily affects birds, some mammals can become infected.

Current evidence suggests the risk to dogs and cats in Australia remains very low. As a precaution, pets should not be allowed to:

  • Eat dead birds
  • Catch sick birds
  • Play with bird carcasses
  • Investigate sick wildlife

If your pet has had contact with a sick or dead bird, please contact our clinic for advice.

Backyard poultry are considered at higher risk due to potential exposure to wild birds. Good biosecurity practices, including preventing contact with wild birds and protecting food and water sources, are strongly recommended.

Can people be infected?

For the general public, the risk remains very low.

Human infections are uncommon and almost always occur following close, prolonged contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, particularly during poultry outbreaks.

There is currently no evidence that companion birds are a significant source of infection for the general public.

Nevertheless, sensible hygiene and biosecurity remain important.

We recommend:

  • Wash hands after handling birds
  • Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds
  • Keep children away from sick wildlife
  • Contact the appropriate authorities rather than handling sick wildlife yourself where possible

What does testing involve?

Testing for avian influenza involves collecting swabs from birds and submitting them to a laboratory for analysis. This process may incur a small fee, which will be discussed prior to sample collection. In some cases, two vet visits may be required: one for swab collection and another for a follow-up consult once the results are received.

How does it relate to wildlife?

Wild birds—particularly waterfowl—can carry avian influenza and may spread the virus to domestic birds.

Wildlife that presents a higher H5N1 risk may require modified assessment procedures.

Depending on the circumstances:

  • Testing may be required before admission.
  • Some wildlife may initially be managed outside the main hospital.
  • In certain situations, we may be required to refer cases through government response pathways.

These measures help protect both wildlife and the many vulnerable patients currently hospitalised in our care.

Why can’t I enter the clinic if my pet bird is high risk, or if my pet bird is showing signs?

To protect our patients, clients and staff, birds assessed as higher risk for H5N1 may not be permitted to enter the main hospital until appropriate screening or testing has been completed.

Additional biosecurity measures may include:

  • Risk assessment before your appointment
  • Additional PPE for staff
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols
  • Dedicated assessment pathways for higher-risk birds

 

These temporary measures allow us to continue providing safe veterinary care while minimising the risk of disease entering the hospital.

I think my pet bird could be infected. What should I do?

Please do not bring your bird directly to the clinic without contacting us first.

Instead:

  • Phone our clinic for advice.
  • Isolate your bird from other birds.
  • We will assess your bird’s risk and advise whether testing, government notification or referral is required.

I’m worried I might be infected. What should I do?

Human infections remain very uncommon.

If you believe you have had significant exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments and develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical advice promptly and follow current public health recommendations.

What Can I Do at Home?

You can reduce the risk to your birds by:

  • Keeping birds indoors where practical
  • Preventing contact with wild birds
  • Avoiding feeding wild birds near aviaries
  • Cleaning cages and food bowls regularly
  • Washing hands before and after handling birds
  • Using dedicated equipment for your own birds
  • Avoiding introducing new birds without appropriate quarantine

 

If you keep backyard poultry:

  • Keep feed and water covered
  • Prevent access to dams or ponds used by wild birds
  • Use dedicated footwear in poultry areas
  • Maintain good biosecurity practices

Please contact us if you would like personalised advice for your birds or backyard flock.

For further information, please refer to the following resources:

  • Australian Government Department of Agriculture – Bird Flu (H5N1)
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries – Avian Influenza
  • Wildlife Health Australia – H5 Bird Flu Resource Centre
  • Australian Veterinary Association – HPAI Resources
  • Australian Government Department of Health – Bird Flu in Humans