H5 Bird Flu

What is H5 bird flu (high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI))?

There is currently a serious strain of bird flu spreading globally, causing widescale death of poultry and wild birds.

H5 bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease which mainly affects birds and can sometimes also infect other animals and, rarely, people.

H5 bird flu has not yet been detected on Norfolk Island or mainland Australia, but it may arrive as migratory species return to summer breeding and feeding grounds. Once in the area, there’s currently no way to stop wild birds becoming infected or from spreading the H5 bird flu virus, but actions can be taken to reduce the risks.

Rapid detection will support a quick and effective response will be vital in the event of any outbreak. 

What is the risk of H5 bird flu arriving on Norfolk Island?

Norfolk Island is currently free from H5 bird flu.

However, wild birds can carry bird flu over long distances. This is a risk, especially because many migratory birds stop to rest, feed, or breed, on Norfolk, Nepean, and Phillip Islands, and nearby rocky outcrops.

We can’t stop infected wild birds from flying to the island, but we can monitor for signs of bird flu. Early detection helps protect our native bird species, local egg farms and the community.

How is the H5 bird flu spread?

• The H5 bird flu virus is spread between birds via infected droppings, respiratory droplets and close contact.
• The H5 bird flu virus can be spread from birds to humans through direct interaction with infected birds or contaminated areas.
• Mammals that come into close contact with infected birds, or that are predators or scavengers of infected birds, may also be susceptible to infection.
• People can also spread H5 bird flu by contaminated clothing and shoes, equipment or items like egg cartons.

What Can We Do About It?

Various Norfolk Island agencies, including Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC), Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA), Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Norfolk Island National Park, and the Temperate East Marine Park network, are working together to take proactive measures to monitor for H5 bird flu and prepare for an outbreak, including:

• Preparing response plans for H5 bird flu incidents in Norfolk Island public reserves and public spaces, Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden, and Norfolk Marine Park and for egg farms.
• Preparing bird flu information and guidance for the community and visitors to the island.
• Participating in ongoing surveillance at key seabird sites across the island.
• Continuing to review reports of H5 bird flu in nearby regions and providing updates to the Norfolk Island community as needed.

How You Can Help:

Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report any unusual sightings to NIRC Customer Care (0100) or Norfolk Island National Park (53218) or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on +61 1800 675 888 (International number) choose option 2.  

If birds are in Norfolk Island National Park, call the park on 22695 or 53218.

Please provide as much information as you can, including video if safe to do so.

Keep your pets safe - walk dogs on a lead and ensure cats are contained to your property

Please note: A single dead bird is not an unusual natural occurrence and doesn’t need to be reported. We are only concerned if there are sightings of unusual behaviours (such as those listed below) and/or observations of mass mortality.

Signs to look out for in wild birds:

• unable to stand, walk or fly properly
• droopy or puffed-up appearance
• breathing problems (panting or sneezing)
• unusual head or neck posture
• sudden death (especially in large numbers).