STATUS: There are no detected cases of H5 bird flu in Tasmania.
Bird flu (H5 avian influenza) hasn’t been detected in Tasmania yet. It’s spreading on mainland Australia, and health authorities expect it will eventually reach us — most likely carried in by migrating wild birds.
Read the latest state advice: H5 Bird Flu | Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is a virus that mainly affects birds, though some strains can also affect mammals. It spreads through contact between birds, and through shared water, food, droppings and contaminated equipment.
Which animals can be affected?
It can affect backyard chickens and other pet birds, scavenging wildlife such as Tasmanian devils, quolls and birds of prey that feed on infected animals, and in rare cases, cats and dogs that eat or have close contact with an infected bird or animal.
What will happen when bird flu arrives?
When bird flu arrives, wild birds and animals may become unwell, and in some areas this could mean noticeable losses among local wildlife. Backyard flocks and poultry farms could also be affected, and affected areas may need to be temporarily closed to help contain the disease and protect public health.
If you see a sick or dead bird or other wildlife
Avoid contact
Record what you see
Report to the hotline
1800 675 888
Reduce the risk of bird flu at home
If you keep chickens at home, a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting them from bird flu.
1. Make the coop secure
- Clean the coop and run regularly — hose down floors, walls and wire, and disinfect when needed
- Replace bedding, sand or litter every few months
- Wash food and water containers often, not just when they look dirty
2. Keep wild birds away
- Cover the run with netting where possible, to keep wild birds and their droppings out
- Avoid having open ponds or water features in the run
- Keep nearby areas tidy so wild birds have less reason to linger
3. Protect food and water
- Use tap water where possible, or treat it if you’re on tank or bore water
- Store feed in a container with a secure lid, out of reach of wild birds, mice and rats
4. Practise everyday hygiene
- Wash your hands before and after handling your birds or collecting eggs
- Keep a pair of shoes just for the coop, if you can
- If you’ve visited another flock, a poultry show, or somewhere birds are kept, change your clothes and shoes before going near your own birds
5. Manage visitors
- Ask anyone visiting your birds to wash their hands first
- It’s best to hold off on visits if someone has recently been near other people’s birds
Signs to watch for
- Sudden death, or a bird that’s suddenly lethargic and off its food or water
- Ruffled feathers, drooping, or general signs of being unwell
- Swelling around the head or legs
- Coughing, sneezing or nasal discharge
- Diarrhoea
- Wobbliness or difficulty walking
- A sudden drop in egg production
How to make a report
To report sick or dead birds or other animals:
- Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888
- Make an online report using our online reporting forms: Report Sick or Dead Birds | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Resources and further information
- For further information and advice about bird flu and human health, visit the Australian Government Centre for Disease Control (CDC) website and Bird flu (avian influenza) | Tasmanian Department of Health.
- For information about bird flu in animals, visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment website (Biosecurity Tasmania).
- For information about protecting people who work with birds and wildlife, view the CDNA national guidelines for avian influenza – Protecting people who work with birds and wildlife.
- For an overview of bird flu and practical advice for people who work with birds to help keep themselves safe, view the CDC’s bird flu toolkit for people who work with birds.