Bird flu (avian influenza) can affect birds and some other animals. It is rare for humans to get bird flu, and it does not usually spread easily from person to person.

In Australia, the risk to people is currently low. However, it is important to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to follow public health and biosecurity advice. You can safely eat chicken and eggs if they have been handled and cooked correctly.

We unpack what bird flu is and how it can be prevented.

What causes bird flu?

Bird flu is caused by certain strains of influenza A viruses, which are different to the ones that cause human flu.

Can humans get bird flu?

It is rare for humans to get bird flu. Bird flu does not usually spread easily from person to person.

Only one case of bird flu has been detected in humans in Australia. This was in early 2024. The person got the infection overseas and fully recovered.

While the risk of infection is considered low, bird flu viruses can mutate (change) quickly during outbreaks and this mutation may allow the infection to spread to humans more easily. So, it’s important to follow protection guidelines, such as staying away from sick or dead birds.

How is bird flu spread?

Bird flu spreads mainly among birds, but it can also infect other animals. It's rare for humans to get infected with bird flu, and it doesn't easily pass from human to human.

But if you did get bird flu, you'd get it by:

• touching an infected animal, its bodily fluids or environment
• breathing in contaminated dust or air
• coming into contact with contaminated equipment, clothing, shoes or vehicles

What are the symptoms of bird flu?

Symptoms of bird flu may include:

• fever over 38°C, chills or shakes
• respiratory issues, such as sore throat and cough
• fatigue
• headache, neck stiffness, muscle or joint aches
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• red, sore eyes (conjunctivitis)

Some people with bird flu have no symptoms.

In humans, bird flu can make you quite sick and in some cases it can be serious.

If you think you have bird flu or have come into contact with someone with bird flu, speak with your doctor.

You should also speak with your doctor if you get any of these symptoms within 10 days of contact with sick or dead birds.

You should stay away from others if you can, until your doctor gives you advice on what to do.

If you need more health advice on what to do, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222. Registered nurses are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Is there a bird flu vaccine?

While there's no bird flu vaccine, the seasonal influenza vaccine can help protect you from getting sick with different strains of influenza at the same time. The influenza vaccine can also help prevent viruses mixing. Virus mixing occurs when a person is infected with more than one virus, and it can lead to new strains that spread rapidly.

The Australian Government recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months has a flu vaccination every year.

How can I protect myself from bird flu?

You can protect yourself by:

• keeping away from sick or dead birds and their surroundings
• washing your hands after handling any type of bird
• handling, preparing and cooking meat and eggs correctly
• having the influenza vaccine
• staying home if you're unwell
• preventing your pets from touching or eating sick or dead birds
• keeping wild animals away from your pet’s food and water

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has more information on how to protect your pets from wildlife and bird flu.

If you work in the poultry industry, you should follow the infection control rules your workplace has in place. Australian Centre for Disease Control also has information on protecting people who work with birds and wildlife.

For more support

• Learn about egg safety, including how to cook them.
• Learn how to handle, prepare and cook meat and poultry safely from Victoria Department of Health.
• Australian Centre For Disease Control has information on bird flu outbreaks, including any health risks to Australians.
• Find out about the plan the Australian Government has put in place to manage bird flu, including the detection of H5 bird flu.
• If you need more health advice, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222.

This post was originally published on 22 July 2024 and has been updated to include the most recent details on this topic.