Avian influenza (bird flu)

Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds that is found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI). High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI H5 bird flu) is currently impacting all parts of the world except for Australia/Oceania.

While we have responded to detections of HPAI H7 in Victoria, there has never been a detection of HPAI H5 bird flu in Australia. Despite this, we must remain aware of the threat of HPAI H5 bird flu arriving in Australia.

HPAI H5 bird flu differs from other avian influenza strains and has caused mass mortalities in poultry and many wild birds overseas. It can also affect some mammals.

HPAI H5 bird flu:

  • spreads more easily than other bird flu strains
  • can kill large numbers of wild birds
  • has no effective treatment
  • usually leads to poor outcomes for infected birds and mammals

Because HPAI H5 bird flu is spreading globally, there is a high chance it could reach Australia. If it does, it may infect wild birds and other native animals.

Australia’s response to bird flu

State and Federal governments work in partnership with the commercial poultry sector to manage avian influenza outbreaks.

This partnership ensures a rapid and effective emergency response when the disease occurs. Owners may be eligible for compensation if birds or property need to be destroyed to stop the spread.

For wildlife and public land managers and Traditional Owners in Victoria information about what to do if there is an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza is available on the guidelines for managing dead birds and wildlife on public land in an H5 bird flu outbreak.

Response actions may include:

  • strict quarantine
  • movement controls
  • euthanasia of infected commercial poultry
  • disposal of euthanased birds
  • tracing and surveillance
  • decontamination

Vaccination is currently not permitted in domestic poultry.

Since 1976, there have been 13 outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influenza on poultry farms in Australia. These have occurred in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT, including recent H7 outbreaks in 2020, 2024 and 2025.

Wild bird surveillance program

An influenza virus wild bird surveillance program is in place across Australia, co-ordinated by Wildlife Health Australia.

About avian influenza

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Avian influenza, or ‘bird flu’, is a highly contagious virus that affects birds. Some strains cause mild illness, while others can lead to sudden death in poultry and wild birds.

Bird flu viruses are grouped by two proteins on their surface: haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). For example, HPAI H5N1 is a type of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) that causes serious disease in birds and some mammals. HPAI H5N1 has not been found in Australia.

Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) may not cause symptoms but can still result in some deaths. Some LPAI viruses, such as H5 and H7, can become more severe when they spread from wild birds to poultry.

There are many subtypes of avian influenza, but HPAI H5N1 is of concern for poultry, wild birds and a range of native wildlife (such as seals and dolphins).

H7 bird flu affects some bird species

HPAI H7 bird flu can affect:

  • chickens
  • ducks
  • geese
  • turkeys
  • guinea fowl
  • quail
  • pheasants
  • emus
  • ostriches.

Wild birds like waterfowl and seabirds can carry the virus without getting sick.

The H7 bird flu type found in Victoria has not caused disease in mammals in Australia.

All bird species can get HPAI H5 bird flu.

Infected birds shed the virus in:

  • saliva
  • nasal secretions
  • faeces.

The virus can spread to domestic birds when wild birds:

  • interact with them
  • contaminate their food or water.

Avian influenza can spread between properties through:

  • people
  • poultry
  • contaminated clothing
  • contaminated equipment.

Internationally, HPAI H5 bird flu has infected many animals after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

Some predators and scavengers have caught the virus by eating raw infected bird carcases.

For more information visit:

  • Avian influenza information for backyard poultry owners
  • Guidelines for managing dead birds and wildlife on public land in an H5 bird flu outbreak
  • Biosecurity for poultry producers
  • Report sick or dead wild birds or wildlife

The most important sign is sudden death.

Other signs that can be associated with bird flu can include:

  • respiratory signs (noisy or rapid breathing, coughing, sneezing, increased nasal secretions)
  • conjunctivitis
  • swelling of the head
  • purple discolouration of the comb and wattles
  • rapid decrease in feed and water intake
  • decreased egg production
  • ruffled feathers
  • depression
  • closed eyes (cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes)
  • diarrhoea
  • nervous signs (twisted neck, inability to stay upright, inability to fly, uncoordinated movement, walking or swimming in circles, partial or full paralysis).

Watch out for any signs of bird flu.

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease. This means that legally you must tell us if you know of or suspect the presence of avian influenza.

You can do this by immediately calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

It’s common to see dead migratory birds like shearwaters on beaches in spring/early summer however, ongoing outbreaks of HPAI H5 bird flu overseas including on islands in Antarctica, have increased the risk of the virus reaching Australia.

If the virus arrives this season (2025/26), we need to know quickly but we want you to remain safe and we do not want you to move the virus.

Please do not handle or move sick or dead birds as this may spread the virus.

* avoid contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment
* record what you see
* report it to DEECA using the online form or call 1800 675 888

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

  • penguin or pelican
  • bird of prey, such as hawks, owls, eagles
  • black swan
  • marine mammal, such as seals, sea lions, dolphins.

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

We understand this may be distressing but every report is useful.

Thank you for helping protect Victoria’s wildlife.

Advice may change when HPAI H5 bird flu is found in Australia,
visit this page regularly for updates or follow us on social media:

Agriculture Victoria (@VicGovAg) / X

Page last updated: 30 Oct 2025