How H5 avian influenza spreads in wildlife
Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) occurs in wild birds in Australia and causes only mild or no disease signs in wild birds. LPAI spreads among wild birds and to poultry by contact with infected birds, their saliva, nasal discharge and faeces (droppings), including contact with water, food, housing or equipment contaminated by the virus.
Wild birds infected with H5 avian influenza spread the virus in the same way as LPAI is spread – by contact with infected birds, their saliva, nasal discharge and faeces.
H5 avian influenza can also be spread by wildlife eating or having contact with an infected carcass.
People can also spread avian influenza to other animals if they move sick or dead birds or use equipment that is not cleaned effectively between handling birds.
Biosecurity measures to reduce the impact on wildlife
While it is not possible to prevent H5 avian influenza entering Australia via migratory birds, our early detection systems and strong biosecurity measures by our poultry and other domestic bird owners can help reduce the likelihood of captive birds getting the disease and reduce the overall spread and impact of disease.
Everyone who works with wildlife should become familiar with the signs of H5 avian influenza and how to report them and take biosecurity measures to protect their health and prevent the potential spread of avian influenza.
Correct personal protective equipment use for wildlife handlers
Individual biosecurity measures should include:
- correct use and removal of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- correct disposal of PPE or appropriately cleaning and disinfecting PPE and equipment after handling each bird (where practical)
Further information can be found on the Wildlife Health Australia website at:
Biosecurity plans for wildlife establishments
Biosecurity plans should be in place for veterinary hospitals and wildlife facilities and include:
- correct use and removal of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- protocols for handling, examining, treating and admitting potentially infected animals
- protocols for entering and exiting, as well as cleaning an isolation area
- protocols for the disposal of possibly infected animals
Further information can be found at:
- AVA Guidelines for Veterinary Personal Biosecurity & PPE
- HPAI Risk Mitigation Toolbox for Wildlife Care Providers
Wildlife carers and rehabilitators
As wildlife carers and rehabilitators may be the first to recognise the signs of an outbreak of H5 avian influenza in wildlife, they play important roles in detection and containment.
As a wildlife carer or rehabilitator, it is important to:
- Use appropriate PPE when handling wildlife.
- Get vaccinated and encourage vaccination among staff with the yearly human influenza vaccine. This is important to minimise the risk of a person getting both the human seasonal influenza and avian influenza at the same time, which carries a risk of a new influenza strain emerging.
- Train staff on good biosecurity measures and how to implement them.
- Practice good biosecurity when responding to sick or injured wildlife
- Immediately report any suspected cases of HPAI to your private veterinarian, your local DPIRD veterinarian, or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.
- Assist DPIRD and other government authorities by providing information or assistance as required.
Further information can be found on the Wildlife Health Australia website at:
See also FAQ: How can veterinarians, wildlife managers and other animal carers reduce the risk of a H5 avian influenza outbreak?
Risk assessments before moving infected wildlife
Internationally, despite best efforts, there has been little success in treating infected birds. The risk of moving infected birds for treatment puts other birds and animals in the receiving facility at risk of being exposed to avian influenza, as well as presenting a risk to people.
It is recommended sick birds are not moved without first considering the risk to the wildlife facility or veterinary hospital that will be providing care, as well as the low likelihood the infected bird will recover.
During a H5 avian influenza outbreak, there will be further advice on the procedure to follow and approvals required before moving any sick or dead wild birds and marine mammals.
