In cases where people have become infected in other countries, it usually involved close contact with sick birds, sick livestock or contaminated environments and where personal protective equipment (PPE) was not worn.
Where possible, it is recommended not to handle sick or dead wildlife.
If you need to handle sick or dead wildlife, you should wear appropriate PPE and practice good hygiene.
If you become ill after contact with wildlife or other animals with avian influenza, contact your local WA Public Health Unit for advice.
Further information about precautions and PPE to use if handling sick or dead wildlife can be found on the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Food safety
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has advised that properly cooked chicken meat and eggs are safe to eat and commercially pasteurised milk is safe to consume.
Always practice good personal hygiene when handling raw poultry and eggs.
Vaccination
There is no vaccination currently available against avian influenza in people.
It is recommended that anyone working with wild birds or poultry has the seasonal influenza vaccine. The human seasonal flu vaccination will not protect against avian influenza, but will minimise the risk of becoming infected with the human and avian influenza viruses at the same time, which could lead to the emergence of a new influenza strain.
For further information about seasonal flu vaccination for humans, visit: Influenza (flu) vaccine
