Avian influenza: What you need to know
AMPC has collated this update on avian influenza H5N1 strain to support member awareness and preparedness.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has recently been detected in two wild seabirds in Western Australia. At present, the risk to Australian livestock industries, including cattle, remains low, and there are no detections in Australian cattle populations.
Background
Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. While most strains detected in Australia in recent years (H7) have been contained to poultry, the H5N1 strain circulating globally has shown a greater ability to infect a wider range of species.
In March 2024, the United States reported H5N1 in dairy cattle for the first time.
While this represents a change in the virus’s behaviour, the likelihood of similar spread in Australia is currently considered low.
What this means for members
There is no impact on red meat processing operations, with the current risk assessed as low. However, maintaining strong biosecurity awareness remains important.
In late 2024 The Australian Government High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Preparedness Taskforce commissioned the following risk assessment for livestock industries.
The assessment found H5 Avian Influenzas posed a “negligible” risk to Australia’s beef, sheep and goat industries, and a “low” risk to dairy and pigs.
Risk assessment of H5 bird flu in Australian dairy cattle and other livestock - DAFF
Awareness points
While AI primarily affects birds, members should be aware of the following:
In cattle (rare and currently not present in Australia):
- Decreased feed intake
- Reduced rumination and rumen motility
- Respiratory issues such as nasal discharge, coughing, pneumonia and laboured breathing
- Abnormal, loose or sticky faeces
- Lameness
- General signs like lethargy, fever and dehydration
In poultry and wild birds AI can severely impact domestic and wild bird populations. Look for lethargy, reluctance to eat or move, ruffled feathers, droopy posture, swelling of the head, neck, or limbs, dark or bruised combs, feet, or skin, respiratory symptoms such as coughing or sneezing and diarrhea.
Biosecurity and reporting
Good hygiene and biosecurity practices continue to be the best defence against disease spread.
If you observe unusual illness in livestock or bird populations, avoid direct contact and report it promptly via the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline: 1800 675 888.
We will continue to monitor developments and keep members informed if the risk profile changes.
If you suspect AI, do not handle the animals directly. H5N1 can be transmitted to humans through close contact.
For more information:
Bird Flu - DAFF
Fact sheets
Centre for Disease Control
First Nations resources
