Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is a disease primarily of birds but also affects some mammals. The influenza type A group of viruses causes the disease. There are many subtypes having a wide range of clinical manifestations—from a carrier status with no clinical disease in some wild ducks, to causing rapid death in commercial poultry.

In Australia the avian influenza viruses of major concern are the subtypes H5 and H7, with the H5 high pathogenic type being of central concern. To date, the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus has not been detected within Australia but could be easily introduced via migratory birds. Avian influenza H5N1 has been associated with human mortalities and has created a lot of concern. However, it must be remembered that this particular virus is principally a disease of animals and needs to undergo a complex mutation process before becoming an influenza virus of significant danger to humans. Hence the emphasis on strategically controlling this virus within the bird population. This has included the slaughter of poultry in regions where the disease has been detected. Plus preventing the contact between commercial poultry, domestic pets and wild birds. From present evidence it would appear that most human deaths associated with the present H5N1 virus have been due to circumstances where people have had close contact in the husbandry, slaughter or preparation for eating of infected birds.

Report suspicious events to the National Exotic Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Downloads

• Avian Influenza Fact Sheet ( PDF 140Kb )
• Clinical Symptoms in Birds ( PDF 52Kb )
• Avian Influenza and Humans ( PDF 83Kb )
• Frequently Asked Questions ( PDF 274Kb )
• Handling Birds ( PDF 34Kb )

Further Information

• National Pests and Disease Outbreaks
• World Health Organisation
• In the Event of an Outbreak
• Victorian Department of Primary Industries
• Department of Health and Ageing
• Department of Agriculture and Fisheries