Bird flu: Signs and how to report

Signs of H5 bird flu in animals

The signs of H5 bird flu can vary between different animal species. 

Wild birds

In wild birds, signs can include:

• can’t stand, walk, or fly properly
• droopy or puffed-up appearance
• breathing problems (panting or sneezing)
• unusual head or neck posture
• sudden death (especially in large numbers).

Mammals

H5 bird flu can also infect some mammals. This usually occurs when the animals scavenge or eat infected bird carcasses. 

Signs of H5 bird flu in mammals can include:

• weakness or tiredness
• trouble walking or breathing
• seizures, tremors or walking in circles
• drooling or runny nose
• sudden illness or death.

Poultry

Poultry usually show signs of H5 bird flu 2-14 days after being infected. Signs can include:

• sudden death
• lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
• droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
• head or limb swelling
• bruising (purple discolouration) of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
• respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
• diarrhoea
• unusual head or neck posture, lack of coordination, inability to walk or stand.

Be aware that a number of strains of avian influenza can affect poultry, not just H5 bird flu. See the DPIRD avian influenza webpage for information on other strains of avian influenza in poultry.

It is important for people who regularly work with or have contact with wildlife to know the signs of H5 bird flu in wild birds and mammals and to report them if they occur.

What to do if you see signs of H5 bird flu

If you see sick or dead wild birds or marine mammals you should:

Avoid 

Sick and dead birds and other animals can carry diseases, including H5 bird flu, that can affect humans. It is recommended to avoid contact with wildlife that are sick or have died unexpectedly unless you have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and the risk of leaving the birds/animals in place outweighs the risk of spreading infection by moving them. International experience shows that most affected wildlife will not recover, so it is usually best not to move affected animals and stress them further unless they pose a public health risk. Make sure you keep children and pets away from sick or dead birds or other wildlife.

Record

If you see sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife, note the number of dead, species, location, date and time. Take a photo if possible.

Report

Reporting signs of bird flu is important to enable early detection and to monitor the level and locations of H5 bird flu in Australia. Under WA’s Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, any strain of bird flu (avian influenza) is a reportable disease and anyone who suspects the disease is present must report it.

Weekly H5 bird flu update

Weekly H5 bird flu updates are provided by the WA Government to inform the public on the current situation in Western Australia. You can find the latest update below.

Weekly Bird Flu Update

Western Australian H5 bird flu wildlife map

This interactive map displays investigations of sick or deceased wildlife in Western Australia, including birds and marine mammals, using data from the DPIRD H5 bird flu wildlife surveillance program and reports received through the Emergency Animal Disease hotline.

WA H5 Bird Flu Wildlife Map