H5N1 - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza FAQ

Updated 25/06/2026

Government Updates: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu 

24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.

Do Not Panic. Stay Educated. Stay Prepared.

Q: What is H5N1 and why is everyone talking about it?

A: H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that has recently entered Australia. It has been spreading around the world for the last four years and is currently present in Western and South Australia. Unlike previous avian influenza outbreaks, this strain is entering through wildlife rather than the poultry industry and has caused significant deaths in wild bird populations worldwide.

Q: Is H5N1 dangerous to humans?

A: At this stage, it is unlikely to cause major problems in humans. There have only been a small number of cases linked to fatalities worldwide, and most human infections have

resulted in minimal disease. However, it remains a concern because viruses can change over time.

Q: Which birds are most at risk?

A: All birds can catch H5N1, but poultry such as chickens and ducks are expected to be the most susceptible. Pet parrots, aviary birds, and wild birds can also become infected.

Q: Can H5N1 be treated with antibiotics?

A: No. H5N1 is a virus, so antibiotics do not treat the infection itself. However, antibiotics may be used to manage secondary bacterial infections that occur in affected birds. Unfortunately, the virus is so aggressive that most infected birds die within days, and sometimes within hours.

Q: What symptoms should I look out for?

A: Common signs include:

• Nasal or oral discharge

• Difficulty breathing

• Tail bobbing

• Dark or purple combs in chickens

• Neurological signs such as head twisting or poor coordination

• Diarrhoea

• Sudden severe illness or death

The disease is typically very rapid and severe.

Q: How does H5N1 spread?

A: The virus spreads through respiratory discharge, droppings, contaminated feathers, feather dust, and close contact between birds. It can also be spread indirectly when people carry contaminated material on their shoes, clothing, hands, or equipment.

Q: Can I kill the virus with disinfectants?

A: Yes. H5N1 is relatively easy to kill compared to some other viruses. Common soaps and disinfectants are effective when used properly on hands, surfaces, and equipment. If you think you may have come into contact with a sick or dead bird, wash thoroughly before going near your own birds.

Q: What should I do if I find a sick or injured wild bird?

A: Do not approach or handle the bird. Follow government guidelines and contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. Avian veterinary clinics may not be able to accept sick wild birds because of the risk of introducing the virus into facilities where vulnerable birds are treated.

Q: What should I do if I find a dead wild bird?

A: Do not touch it, and contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. Government authorities will investigate and arrange for appropriate handling and testing if required.

Q: What should I do if I find a stray domestic bird?

A: Be very cautious. Although the risk may currently be low, a stray bird could have been exposed while loose. If you capture the bird, take it to a local general veterinary clinic rather than an avian-only clinic, as many avian clinics and rescues may not be able to accept stray birds due to biosecurity risks.

Q: Can I bring a stray bird home to quarantine it myself?

A: It is strongly recommended that you avoid exposing your own birds. If you do handle a stray bird, thoroughly wash your hands, change your clothes, and follow strict hygiene protocols before interacting with your own flock. Wearing gloves and protective clothing is recommended.

Q: Are mammals at risk too?

A: Yes. H5N1 has been found in many mammal species around the world, including seals and cattle in the United States. While birds remain the primary concern, the virus is capable of infecting a range of animals.

Q: What is the most important thing bird owners can do right now?

A: Focus on biosecurity. Protect your birds from contact with wild birds, avoid handling sick or dead wildlife, practise good hygiene, disinfect equipment regularly, and follow government advice as the situation develops.

Q: Will I need to cull all my birds if H5N1 reaches Victoria?

A: No. There is no reason to panic. If the virus comes into Victoria, there will not be any automatic cull or euthanasia order for pet birds. There may be culling measures for commercial poultry, but not for pet birds. The focus will be on protecting your birds. If a bird becomes infected and very sick, euthanasia may be considered to prevent suffering, but you will not have to pre-emptively euthanise your birds.

Q: Can I still feed wild birds in my backyard?

A: It is strongly recommended that you stop feeding wild birds. Wild birds should find their own food, and feeding them encourages them to gather in your yard. Even if your pet birds are kept indoors, there is a risk of bringing the virus home on feathers, faeces, or other bird material.

Q: Can I still visit the zoo or parks where there are birds?

A: Yes. You can still visit zoos and parks. However, stay away from sick birds and report them. If you find dead birds, especially multiple birds in one area, contact the government hotline immediately. Zoos and public facilities will have their own biosecurity measures and will advise visitors of any restrictions.

Q: Will I still be able to take my bird to the vet?

A: Absolutely. If your bird is sick for any reason, you should still contact and visit your vet. Veterinary clinics will continue operating, although additional protocols will be in place to minimise the risk of the virus entering the clinic.

Q: What should I do if I want to buy a new bird while H5N1 is in Victoria?

A: Speak with the seller and your avian vet about whether the bird has been kept safely and protected from exposure. Buying birds will still be possible, but extra caution will be needed to avoid introducing disease into your existing flock.

Q: I am a breeder. Can I still buy and sell birds?

A: At this stage, nothing is stopping people from buying and selling birds. However, as the situation develops, the government may introduce movement restrictions or protocols to reduce the spread of the virus.

Q: I run a rescue. Can I still take in stray birds and surrenders?

A: At present, there are no restrictions preventing rescues from operating. However, rescues should develop strong quarantine, biosecurity, and health assessment protocols in consultation with their avian veterinarian. The virus can spread very quickly, so intake procedures will be extremely important.

Q: Can my birds still go to boarding facilities?

A: Yes. Reputable bird boarding facilities are expected to continue operating under strict biosecurity protocols. Before boarding your bird, discuss the facility’s procedures and disease prevention measures with them.

Q: Is there a test available for H5N1?

A: Yes. Testing for H5N1 is already available. If a suspected case is identified, the government will be contacted and will manage the testing process and associated costs.

Q: Can I still take my bird outside on a harness or place them outside in a cage for sunlight?

A: You are not prohibited from doing so. However, it is recommended that pet birds that do not need to be outdoors are kept indoors where possible to reduce their risk of exposure.

Q: What happens if there is a positive case of H5N1 on my property?

A: There are still some unknowns. The government will likely closely monitor all birds on the property and may place the property under quarantine while assessing whether other birds are infected. In extreme situations, euthanasia of birds may be considered, but current expectations are that quarantine and monitoring measures are more likely. Final decisions will be made by the relevant government authorities.

Q: Will there be a vaccine available for pet birds?

A: A vaccine exists, but at this stage the government's vaccination strategy is focused on zoo collections and rare or endangered species. Vaccines are not currently expected to be available for pet birds. If that changes in the future, avian veterinarians would likely be among the first to offer vaccination for companion birds.

Q: Where can I find more information and updates about H5N1?

A: Follow updates from government agencies and reputable news sources. Australia has spent years preparing for the possibility of H5N1, with significant investment in surveillance, response planning, and disease control measures: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu & https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/avian-influenza/government-action

Related article: https://www.melbournebirdvet.com/post/_h5n1