Avian Influenza
- Avian influenza is not currently present in Australia.
- It is safe to eat cooked chicken meat and eggs.
The Current Situation
Avian influenza (bird flu) is not currently present in Australia but Australians are asked to remain vigilant to signs of the disease. Ongoing vigilance and early reporting of disease symptoms is crucial if Australia is to mount an effective disease response.
All bird keepers (including commercial producers through to people with pet birds) have a signifcant role in recognising and reporting the signs of bird flu. Bird watchers, bush walkers and recreational shooters also need to remain vigilant for signs of this disease.
Know what to look for! If you suspect an avian influenza outbreak immediately phone the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on free call 1800 675 888.
Human Deaths
The H5N1 virus can infect humans who come in close contact with infected birds. H5N1 has caused the death of more than 260 people to date. Accurate statistics on human deaths caused by H5N1 can be found on the WHO website. Link to a non-government site
TopThe Response
Australia's Response to Avian Influenza
Despite the spread of H5N1 AI from Asia to the Middle East, Africa and Europe, Australia is well prepared to respond to an outbreak.
The Australian Government has been aware of this strain of the disease since its emergence in 1996 and again when it took hold in many Asian countries in 2003. Wild bird surveillance programs are also in place.
Well developed and tested plans exist to respond to both animal and plant disease emergencies. The blueprint for a response is set out in AUSVETPLAN Link to a non-government site and there are other well-rehearsed national arrangements. These include access to some of the world’s best diagnostic facilities.
In November 2005, a national simulation took place to test both health and agriculture’s integrated response capabilities to deal with an outbreak in Australia. Exercise Eleusis ’05 involved industry, health and agriculture agencies with around 1,000 people participating throughout the country. The results of such exercises allow both industry and the government to make improvements to their plans and response arrangements especially where there is new technology available.
More recent activities have included education and awareness campaigns aimed at bird fanciers and recreational shooters. In 2007 a national biosecurity campaign raised awareness among small rural landholders about the importance of preventing pest and disease outbreaks (covering all animal and plant pests and diseases). This campaign targeted 1.3 million households throughout Australia as well as vendors at farmers' markets and also included a CALD component. Work in this area continues today. See www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity
TopBorder Control
The Australian Government is closely monitoring international occurrences of avian influenza outbreaks. Animal health and quarantine authorities are maintaining a heightened alert to deal with the risk of the disease.
AQIS officers at airports and international mail centres have been on high alert for bird and poultry products since the first isolated cases of avian influenza were reported in Asia in late 2003.
Birds, poultry meat and poultry products (including eggs, egg products, feathers, and vaccines) from overseas can carry diseases including avian influenza. Poultry meat and products are not allowed into Australia and are seized and destroyed by AQIS. All incoming international mail is also subject to quarantine intervention. Additionally, incoming international passengers baggage may be x-rayed, inspected or checked by detector dogs for quarantine risk items.
Avian Influenza and Wild Birds
The World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) agree that control of avian influenza infection in wild bird populations is not feasible and should not be attempted.
Wild waterfowl have been known for some time to be the natural reservoir of all influenza A viruses. Migratory birds can carry these viruses, in their low-pathogenic form, over long distances but do not usually develop signs of illness and only rarely die of the disease. The instances in which highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have been detected in migratory birds are likewise rare and the role of these birds in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza remains poorly understood.
Resources
Avian Influenza Toolkit
The Avian Influenza Toolkit is a website portal that provides a wide array of resources to assist with efforts against H5N1 avian influenza and other emerging infectious diseases.
The National Farm Biosecurity Manual - Poultry Production
Contacts
For more information, talk to your local vet or contact your state or territory department of primary industries or agriculture.
To report large numbers of sick or dead birds, call the Australia wide Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.