Avian Influenza (‘Bird flu’)By Kath Adriaanse / October 12, 2023 Advice Title Advice Content Visual Code Avian influenza (also known as ‘bird flu’) is a virus that typically infects birds. Strains of avian influenzas may be low pathogenicity (does not usually cause serious disease) or high pathogenicity (capable of causing serious disease). Since 2021, a new strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been circulating around the world and causing large numbers of deaths in a variety of bird species, including domestic chickens. This strain has not been detected in Australia, but there is concern that it may be introduced. If introduced to Australia, this viral strain would have serious impacts on Australia’s agricultural industry and our native birds. Affected birds may: <ul> <li>Be found dead, especially in groups.</li> <li>Show abnormal behaviour including lack of coordination, walking or swimming in circles, or be unable to fly.</li> <li>Have diarrhoea (runny poo).</li> <li>Have mucus around the eyes or beak.</li> <li>Cough, sneeze or have difficulty breathing.</li> </ul> <strong>Any findings that are suspicious for avian influenza should be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888. </strong> People can be infected with some strains of Avian Influenza, although this is uncommon. Avoid contact with birds that may be infected. If you do come into contact, wash your hands well with soapy water or use hand-sanitiser. Find out more information about human risk on the NSW Health website: <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/avian-influenza.aspx">https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/avian-influenza.aspx</a> Find out more about Avian Influenza here: Wildlife Health Australia <a href="https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Portals/0/Incidents/HPAI_Advice_for_people_who_encounter_sick_or_dead_wild_birds_V2Aug23.pdf?ver=sr0HWouhy14Wli2Zm1fUHg%3d%3d">https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Portals/0/Incidents/HPAI_Advice_for_people_who_encounter_sick_or_dead_wild_birds_V2Aug23.pdf?ver=sr0HWouhy14Wli2Zm1fUHg%3d%3d</a> NSW Department of Primary Industries <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/poultry-and-birds/health-disease/avian-influenza">https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/poultry-and-birds/health-disease/avian-influenza</a> Featured Image Advice Types Contact General Contact Specific Further Action General Join Community Safety Warning Specific Thanks -- Parent -- Add New Species Bird Bird of prey Emu Kookaburra or kingfisher Magpie or currawong Other or unsure Owl or frogmouth Parrot Pigeon or dove Raven or crow Songbirds Waterbird Fish Frog Mammal Bandicoot Bat Dingo, wild dog or fox Echidna Feral camel, goat or cattle Feral cat Feral deer Feral pig Kangaroo or wallaby Koala Other or unsure Platypus Possum or glider Rat or mouse Wombat Other Insects Other or unsure Slugs or snails Yabby or crayfish Reptile Lizard Snake Turtle or tortoise -- Parent -- Add New Clinical Signs Abnormal behaviour Dead Found on the ground Orphaned young Skin or feather abnormalities Thin or poor body condition Traumatic injuries -- Parent -- Add New Numbers a: One (1) b: Two to ten (2-10) c: Eleven to one hundred (11-100) d: More than one hundred (>100) e: Thousands (1,000+) -- Parent -- Add New
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