About H5 bird flu

What is H5 bird flu

H5 bird flu is an infectious virus that mostly affects birds, but also affects some mammals.

Wild water birds, such as such as ducks, swans and geese, as well as gulls, terns and shorebirds naturally carry these viruses and are the main source of infection.

There are many other strains or subtypes of avian influenza. You can find more information about these at dpird.wa.gov.au/avian-influenza
 

How does H5 bird flu spread?

Bird flu spreads by contact with: 

• the saliva, nasal secretions, droppings and feathers from infected birds
• feed, water, bedding, equipment, vehicles or an environment contaminated by infected birds
• people carrying the disease on their hands, shoes, clothing, equipment or vehicles

Scavengers and predators become infected by eating infected birds or their carcasses

The virus can survive in the environment for several months under the right conditions.

It can also spread on on unwashed hands, contaminated clothing,  footwear, vehicles, equipment, animals and items such as egg cartons.

There is no evidence that the current H5 bird flu strain spreads from person to person. 

The health risk to the Australian public is low. 

People are most likely to become infected after close contact with infected birds, other infected animals or contaminated environments.

H5 bird flu in Australia

Australia’s first case of H5 bird flu was confirmed in a migratory seabird on the south coast of Western Australia on 20 June 2026.

This strain has caused significant impacts to wild birds, poultry and some mammal species around the world.

Currently, there is no evidence that H5 birds flu has spread to WA native wildlife as there have only been a few detections migratory seabirds. There is no evidence of the disease in commercial poultry farms in Australia. 

Once the disease becomes establishes in WA wildlife, it cannot be eradicated because wildlife cannot be effectively controlled. 

Australian, state and local governments are working together with stakeholders to monitor and minimise the impacts of H5 bird flu on wildlife in Australia, and to reduce the risk of outbreaks in the poultry industry.

Global impacts of H5 bird flu to date

Since 2020, H5 bird flu has spread across the world causing large numbers of deaths in poultry, wild birds and affected mammals.

Outside of Australia H5 bird flu has:

• caused severe disease and high death rates in wild birds
• infected more than 560 bird species
• infected more than 100 species of mammals including seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, dairy cattle, pigs, foxes, cats and dogs
• infected some people who worked closely with infected animals or in areas contaminated with bird droppings.

WA weekly bird flu updates 

The WA Government provides weekly bird flu updates to keep the public informed about the current situation in Western Australia and the actions being taken in response. Read latest updates by clicking the button below.

Weekly Bird Flu Update