- Avoid contact and keep your distance.
- Record the date, time, location and take photos.
- Report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Find out more about the signs and how to report.
How H5 bird flu spreads in wildlife
H5 bird flu spreads among wild birds by contact with:
- the saliva, nasal secretions, faecal material 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.
Biosecurity measures to reduce the impact on wildlife
While it is not possible to prevent H5 bird flu entering Western Australia via migratory birds and becoming established in our wildlife, our early detection and monitoring systems, and strong biosecurity measures can help reduce the risk of poultry and captive birds becoming infected and minimise the spread of the disease.
Anyone who works with wildlife should become familiar with the signs of H5 bird flu and know how to report them. They should follow biosecurity measures to protect their health and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Biosecurity plans for wildlife facilities
Veterinary hospitals, wildlife rehabilitation centres and wildlife facilities should have biosecurity plans in place that 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
Biosecurity for wildlife handlers, carers, vets and rehabilitators
Wildlife carers, rehabilitators, vets, wildlife researchers and volunteer conservation groups may be the first to recognise signs of H5 bird flu in wildlife. They play important roles in detection and containment and should follow strict biosecurity measures:
- Use of appropriate PPE when handling wildlife
- Correct disposal or disinfecting of PPE and equipment after handling each dead or infected bird
- Get vaccinated with the yearly human influenza (flu) vaccine and encourage all staff, carers and handlers to do the same. 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 strain emerging)
- Train staff on good biosecurity measures and how to apply them
- Follow good biosecurity practices when responding to sick or injured wildlife
- Immediately report suspected cases of H5 bird flu to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888
- Assist DPIRD and other government authorities by providing information or assistance as required
Risk assessments before moving infected wildlife
Sick birds should not be moved without first considering the risk to the wildlife facility or veterinary hospital providing care, as well as the low likelihood the infected bird will recover.
Overseas experience has shown that despite best efforts, there has been little success in treating infected birds with H5 bird flu.
The risk of moving infected birds for treatment puts other birds and animals in the receiving facility at risk of being exposed to bird flu, as well as presenting a risk to people.
If you see multiple dead birds, marine mammals or poultry:
- avoid contact,
- record the location,
- take photos if possible and safe to do so
- report it to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Can wild birds be vaccinated against H5 bird flu?
A national approach to vaccination is being considered for captive wildlife in zoos and wildlife parks and may be used for vulnerable managed wild bird populations on a risk-assessed, case-by-case basis.
However, widespread vaccination of wild birds is unlikely. Effective vaccination requires two doses, which makes them difficult to administer to wild birds. Vaccine effectiveness varies in different bird species and virus strains.
Federal and state governments are continuing to develop and evaluate vaccination strategies that could be used in response to H5 bird flu in wildlife.
Wildlife and veterinary biosecurity resources
Further information can be found at:
- AVA Guidelines for Veterinary Personal Biosecurity & PPE
- National Wildlife Biosecurity Guidelines
- HPAI Risk Mitigation Toolbox for Wildlife Care Providers
More information on H5 avian influenza and wildlife
For more information visit the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation an Attractions website:
H5 avian influenza (bird flu) - DBCA
WA weekly bird flu update
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 here:
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