Victorian authorities are increasing surveillance and public awareness after confirming the first detection of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in a wild bird. While the finding marks an important development in Australia's bird flu monitoring, health officials say the risk to the community remains low.

The virus mainly affects wild birds and poultry and can occasionally infect other mammals. Human infections are uncommon, and Australia has not recorded any locally acquired cases of this H5N1 strain.

Officials are asking the public not to handle sick or dead birds. Anyone who notices several affected birds or other animals should keep away from them, record the location and report the incident to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

People who work with poultry, wildlife or other birds, along with travellers who have recently had close contact with infected animals overseas, have a greater chance of exposure than the general community.

If infection occurs, symptoms may resemble seasonal influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, runny nose and breathing difficulties. Some people may also develop red, sore eyes or stomach-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Although uncommon, severe illness can lead to complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation, sepsis or multiple organ failure.

Health authorities have advised that eating properly cooked chicken, other poultry products and eggs does not spread H5N1 infection.

Anyone who becomes unwell after contact with sick or dead birds should seek medical care, inform their GP about the exposure and contact the clinic before arriving. Confirmed cases require isolation to reduce the risk of transmission.

Doctors are encouraged to consider H5N1 infection in patients with flu-like symptoms who have had recent contact with sick or dead birds or animals in Australia or overseas. Suspected cases should be managed with appropriate infection control measures, tested using PCR and reported urgently to the Victorian Department of Health.

The Department of Health also continues to recommend annual seasonal influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older. Although the vaccine does not prevent H5N1 infection, it can lower the risk of severe illness if seasonal influenza and bird flu occur at the same time.

Victoria Responds After H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in Wild Bird

Source: Victorian Department of Health