Bird Flu (H5N1) in People
H5N1 bird flu is spreading in birds and some mammals worldwide, and reached wild birds in Australia in June 2026. Human infections are rare and almost always follow close contact with sick animals. The risk to the general public is low.
Don’t pat the dead seabird. Not even for the photo.
Australia right now
- H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was first found in Australian wild birds in June 2026. There’s no evidence of spread to Australian poultry.
- No person has caught this strain in Australia.
- Australia’s only human H5N1 case (2024, a different strain) was caught overseas and the person fully recovered.
- Check the Australian Centre for Disease Control for the latest updates.
Who’s at risk
- People in close contact with sick or dead birds or animals: poultry and dairy workers, vets and vet nurses, wildlife carers, outbreak responders and lab workers.
- Worldwide, WHO has recorded 997 human cases and 478 deaths since 2003 (to March 2026). Recent US cases in farm workers were mostly mild, often with conjunctivitis.
- There’s no sustained spread between people.
Symptoms
- Usually start 3–5 days after exposure (range 1–10 days).
- Red, sore eyes (conjunctivitis), fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches. Severe cases cause pneumonia.
- Some infected people have no symptoms.
Food safety
- Properly handled and cooked chicken and eggs are safe to eat.
- Overseas, avoid raw (unpasteurised) milk and dairy.
Dead or sick birds
- Don’t touch them, and keep pets away.
- Note the location and take photos if you can.
- Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888 (24 hours).
- Wash your hands after handling any birds or wildlife.
See your GP if
- You develop red eyes, fever or flu symptoms within 10 days of contact with sick or dead birds or animals. Phone ahead and mention the contact
- You work with poultry, pigs or wildlife: get the yearly flu vaccine. It doesn’t protect against bird flu but reduces the chance of catching both at once
Common questions
Can people catch bird flu?
Rarely, and almost always after close contact with infected birds or animals. There’s no sustained spread between people. The risk to the general public in Australia is low.
Is H5N1 bird flu in Australia?
H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was first found in Australian wild birds in June 2026. There’s no evidence of spread to Australian poultry, and no human cases of this strain in Australia.
Are eggs and chicken safe to eat?
Yes. Properly handled and cooked chicken and eggs are safe.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
Red, sore eyes, fever, cough, sore throat and aches, starting 1–10 days after exposure. Severe cases can cause pneumonia.
What should I do if I find a dead bird?
Don’t touch it, keep pets away, and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Helpful resources
- Australian CDC: Bird fluLatest Australian situation and advice. Free.
Evidence and more information
- Australian Centre for Disease Control: Bird flu (avian influenza)
- WHO: Cumulative human H5N1 cases, March 2026
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