What is Bird Flu?

H5 bird flu (high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza) is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects birds. It can spread rapidly and cause severe illness or death in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.

An outbreak of H5 bird flu could have significant impacts on backyard flocks, commercial poultry operations, native wildlife and the broader economy. 

Bird flu symptoms in birds and other animals
Wild birds

Symptoms may include:

  • Inability to stand, walk or fly properly
  • Droopy or puffed-up appearance
  • Breathing difficulties, including panting or sneezing
  • Unusual head or neck posture
  • Sudden death, particularly if multiple birds are affected
Poultry (chickens, ducks and other domestic birds)

Symptoms may include:

  • Sudden drop in egg production
  • Lethargy or reduced eating and drinking
  • Swelling of the head or limbs
  • Discolouration or bruising of the comb, feet or skin
  • Breathing problems or a runny nose
  • Sudden death
Mammals

Symptoms may include:

  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Difficulty walking or breathing
  • Tremors, seizures or walking in circles
  • Excessive drooling or nasal discharge
  • Sudden illness or death
What to do if you find sick or dead birds or wildlife
What should I do if I find sick or dead birds or wildlife?

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) advises:

  1. Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife.
  2. Record the date, time location and what you see. Take a photo if possible.
  3. Report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888 or using the digital form (Report sick or dead wild birds).

Wildlife that may have been struck by cars or are injured, please still call local wildlife carers.

NSW-Government-official-H5-Bird-Flu-poster.png

 

How to Report
How do I report suspected bird flu?

Complete the online reporting form Report sick or dead wild birds or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888. 

Learn more about the reporting process on the DPIRD Avian Influenza webpage. 

Council's role
What is Council's role?

Council's role is to help direct our community to the lead agency.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the lead agency responsible for the detection, testing and management of H5 bird flu in New South Wales.

Further information
Where can I find more information and resources about bird flu?

See NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) website for more information about bird flu, including information:

H5 bird flu poster

NSW-Government-official-H5-Bird-Flu-poster.png

Related Information

Back to top