Current state of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in Oz

[canetoad]

This is from the CDC https://www.cdc.gov.au/topics/bird-flu and was prompted by posts in GD.

Current situation

A strain of H5 avian influenza (bird flu) has moved quickly around the world, causing widescale outbreaks in poultry, wild birds and mammals.

This strain is called highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.

It has not been detected in any birds or other animals in Australia.

Migratory wild birds may bring H5 bird flu into Australia and infect common Australian wild birds, poultry, pet birds and other animals.

The Australian Government is planning a whole-of-government response for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu in Australia.

Australia had one reported bird flu case in a human in 2024. The person was infected overseas, received treatment in Australia, and made a full recovery. They did not have the H5 bird flu strain that is spreading globally now.

More good news:

Risk to humans

Most bird flu viruses don’t spread easily from animals to humans. Human infections are rare and typically occur after close contact with infected birds, animals or contaminated environments.

The risk to Australians is low.

Of course, the migratory birds are heading this way soon. Maybe our distance from other countries is our best protection; unhealthy birds may not make the flight.

[2naSalit]

1. Thanks for...

Info we can trust!

I hope the distance for migratory birds does factor in for the safety of the continent!