Update 2: H5 Bird Flu Confirmed in Western Australia

Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in a wild brown skua in Western Australia.This is Australia’s first detection of the highly contagious H5 bird flu virus that has spread rapidly around the world in recent years. 

The infected bird was found in an isolated area of Cape Le Grand National Park, which is around 50km east of Esperance. A second wild seabird, a giant petrel from the same region, has also tested positive for H5 avian influenza and is undergoing further testing to determine the strain.At this stage:

• there have been no detections in poultry 

• there is no evidence of mortalities in other species

• there are currently no trade restrictions for poultry and poultry products, for export out of Australia.  

  
  

H5 bird flu is a low health risk to the public and rarely affects humans. Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.

The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has responded swiftly to the detection and is leading response activities on the ground, including enhanced surveillance, working closely with industry, veterinarians, wildlife carers and local communities.

National coordination is being led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Australia has well-established national response arrangements in place and has been preparing for this scenario for several years. Governments, industry and stakeholders are working together to manage the situation.

What you can do

The community are encouraged to report sick or dead birds, or marine mammals. If you see sick or dead animals:

• do not touch them       

• avoid contact    

• record what you see, including photographs if safe to do so   

• report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. 

  
  

Keep pets away from wildlife, including preventing cats from roaming and keeping dogs on leads in wildlife areas.

When going to and from national parks, reserves or farms, clean your footwear, clothing and vehicle to help prevent spreading diseases between places.If you own, care for, or work with birds or chickens, you should:

• prevent wild birds from mingling with your birds, and accessing their feed and water

• keep pens, aviaries, feeders and equipment clean

• wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling birds

• monitor birds for signs of disease or sudden deaths.

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Poultry producers are reminded that on-farm biosecurity practices are crucial to protect the health of their flocks. 

Further information is available at birdflu.gov.au.

Animal Health Australia will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as information becomes available.