A NSW Government website

Department of Primary Industries

Local Government and land managers - H5 information

H5N1 avian influenza has spread rapidly between continents so we must be prepared for the possibility that it could arrive in Australia.

State and federal governments currently have a strong focus on preparing for an incursion of H5N1.

How are we preparing?

Australia is free of H5N1 avian influenza but work is ongoing across government, state and territory governments, Animal Health Australia, Wildlife Health Australia and relevant industry and non-government groups to consider the risk to animal, human and ecosystem health and support preparedness in the poultry and wildlife sectors.

The National Avian Influenza Wild Bird (NAIWB) Steering Group coordinates the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program (NAIWBS), supported by the NSW Government, WHA and the Australian Government. Both active surveillance and investigations into suspicious mass deaths are key components of the program. There are key sites in NSW that are part of this ongoing program.

The Australian Government is investing an additional $95 million to further prepare and protect against H5N1. This funding includes investment in biosecurity response capacity, surveillance with key partners including the NSW Government, scientific capability, nationally coordinated communications, environmental measures and protective measures for threatened species and priority biodiversity and public health preparedness.

Numerous government agencies are actively involved in interagency preparedness activities in NSW, including weekly briefings and regular workshops and exercises, particularly focused on communications, risk assessment and response planning.

Can H5N1 affect humans?

  • The World Health Organization currently considers the public health risk associated with H5 avian influenza viruses to be low.
  • A small number of human infections of H5N1 have been reported globally. Most of these people had close contact with infected birds and contaminated environments.
  • Current strains of avian influenza do not appear to transmit easily between humans.
  • Avoiding contact with sick birds or wildlife is important to reduce the chances of humans becoming infected.
  • More information on human health and avian influenza can be found at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/avian-influenza.aspx
  • Advice for anyone who must handle sick or injured wildlife can be found here: Be careful around wildlife: protect yourself (nsw.gov.au)

What are the symptoms of H5N1 to look out for in wildlife, particularly birds and marine mammals?

Signs of disease usually appear in several or all birds in a flock, including:

  • sudden death
  • lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
  • droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
  • head or limb swelling
  • bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
  • respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
  • diarrhoea
  • unusual head or neck posture, incoordination, inability to walk or stand
  • unusual reduction in egg production.

What should community do if they suspect avian influenza?

  • AVOID contact with sick or dead birds
  • RECORD time, date, and location and other evidence i.e. photos, video.
  • REPORT mass numbers of sick or dead wild birds (five or more) via this form.

If you suspect an animal is showing signs of avian influenza, call the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888. The EAD Hotline is monitored 24/7. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Delivery (DPIRD) will assess the information provided and determine whether further investigation is warranted and if necessary, the birds will be collected for testing.

How should dead birds be disposed of?

The disposal of carcasses should proceed per current council procedures and guidelines. NSW DPIRD has not imposed biosecurity restrictions nor requires permits for the movement and disposal of bird and animal carcasses at present.

Further guidance is available in the Local Government Fact Sheet (PDF, 334.04 KB)

Avian influenza resources