Australia is in the midst of its first large-scale outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, with more than 200 confirmed detections in wild birds across five states as of mid‑August 2026. Most cases so far have been in South Australia, including the first confirmed mass die‑off of wild seabirds (greater crested terns) off the state’s south‑east coast. The virus has not been detected in poultry or people in Australia so far.

While the risk to people remains low, authorities are urging the public to be alert, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, and report unusual bird deaths to help track and contain the outbreak.

ASPREN is part of the “One Health” framework that includes environmental, animal and human surveillance systems.  ASPREN tracks influenza‑like illness in general practice to pick up any unusual respiratory patterns that might signal spillover.

Signs to watch for in birds and other animals

Not every sick bird has bird flu, but certain signs, especially in groups, should raise concern.

Wild birds

• Sudden death, often in clusters
• Lethargy, weakness, inability to fly
• “Puffed‑up”, droopy appearance
• Tremors, head/neck twisting, paralysis
• Difficulty breathing

Poultry or pet birds (if you keep them)

• Sudden drop in egg production
• Swollen head, comb, wattles, or limbs
• Bruising on comb, feet, or skin
• Respiratory signs (runny nose, coughing)

Mammals (seals, sea lions, pets)

• Seizures, tremors, walking in circles
• Drooling, runny nose, other respiratory signs
• Unusual lethargy or sudden death

What to do if you see sick or dead birds
Authorities promote a simple “Avoid, Record, Report” approach.

1. Avoid

• Do not touch, handle, or move sick or dead birds, feathers, droppings, or eggs.
• Keep children and pets away; do not let dogs sniff, chew, or carry carcasses.
• Avoid disturbing congregations of wild birds on beaches, parks, or wetlands.

2. Record (from a safe distance)

Note as much detail as possible without getting close:

• Date and time of sighting
• Location: GPS pin, nearby roads, landmarks, or property description
• Number of birds or animals that are sick or freshly dead
• Species or description (e.g. “large seabird, white body, black cap”)
• Photos or short video showing the birds and the site (from a safe distance)

3. Report

Report immediately to the 24‑hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline:

• Phone: 1800 675 888 (national; you’ll be routed to your state/territory)

If you’re on public land (beaches, parks, reserves), you can also notify the local council about carcass removal, but you should still report to the hotline so the incident enters the animal disease surveillance system.

Pets and bird flu: what owners need to know
Cats and dogs can become infected with H5N1, usually after scavenging or closely interacting with sick or dead birds or other wildlife; infections are considered rare but can be severe.

To reduce risk:

• Keep cats indoors where possible, especially in areas where bird flu has been detected.
• Walk dogs on a lead and prevent scavenging of dead birds or wildlife.
• Do not feed raw or unpasteurised animal‑based diets to pets during the outbreak.
• If you’ve had direct contact with sick or dead birds, shower and change clothes before handling your pets.
• If your pet becomes unwell after possible exposure (lethargy, respiratory signs, neurological signs), contact your vet and mention the exposure.

For more information, go to agriculture.gov.au
How this links to human surveillance (including ASPREN)
While H5N1 is currently a wildlife issue, Australia’s human influenza surveillance systems, such as ASPREN, forms part of the broader “One Health” system designed to pick up any unusual respiratory patterns that might signal a spillover event.

For the public:

• If you’ve had close, unprotected contact with sick or dead birds and develop flu‑like symptoms, contact your GP or local health service and mention the exposure.
• Consistent reporting of influenza-like illness (ILI) through surveillance systems helps authorities quickly assess whether human cases are emerging in areas with intense bird mortality.

Practical tips for ASPREN reporters:

• Ask about bird exposure in ILI patients, especially in SA coastal regions and areas with known tern/gull die‑offs.
• Reinforce standard infection prevention (hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette) and advise high‑risk individuals (wildlife carers, poultry workers) to avoid contact with sick/dead birds.
• If a patient with significant bird exposure presents with severe or atypical respiratory illness, notify your local public health unit promptly; follow jurisdictional guidance on testing and PPE.
• For more information, see the Avian influenza in humans - Surveillance case definition at www.cdc.gov.au

For the latest official information on bird flu, go to www.birdflu.gov.au