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Avian Influenza (H5N1): Preventing the Spread and Protecting Our Local Wildlife

  • Writer: Danny Petrie
    Danny Petrie
  • Dec 9, 2024
  • 7 min read

As a sustainability and environmental science student, I’ve been deeply aware of how fragile our ecosystems can be. Every species, from the tiniest insect to the largest bird, contributes to the balance of nature. But when diseases like Avian Influenza (H5N1) strike, they can disrupt this delicate balance, affecting not just individual species but entire ecosystems.


While H5N1, a particularly virulent strain of Avian Influenza, has been reported in parts of the world, Australia has fortunately not yet seen any confirmed cases. However, due to the migration of birds from affected regions, the risk remains a real concern. There has been documented spread of the disease in other animals, such as sea lions, minks and tigers. As we’re currently in the prevention phase, it’s vital for us—especially in the Midwest—to stay vigilant, act responsibly, and do our part to help monitor and report any signs of illness in wildlife or domestic pets.


In this blog, I’ll explain what H5N1 is, why it poses a risk to our local wildlife, and how we can help prevent its spread.



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What Is Avian Influenza (H5N1) and Why Should We Be Concerned?

Avian Influenza (H5N1) is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds, raptors, and scavengers. This particular strain has been responsible for significant outbreaks in wild bird populations across the globe. Although bird flu is typically a disease of birds, it can sometimes spread to other animals, including mammals.


Overseas, there have been documented cases of H5N1 affecting various mammal species such as walruses, sea lions, and minks. These instances show that the virus can spread beyond its usual avian hosts. While the virus has not yet been seen in Australian animals, the risk is particularly high due to the migration patterns of wild birds, which can carry the virus over long distances.


In the context of Australia, we do not yet know how H5N1 might affect our endemic marsupials—such as kangaroos, koalas, or wombats. While there are no confirmed cases of the virus in these species, we cannot rule out the possibility that, if the virus spreads, it could impact our native wildlife in ways we haven’t yet predicted. This uncertainty is one of the reasons why it is so important for communities like ours to remain vigilant.


The challenge with H5N1 is that it can cause a range of symptoms in birds and other animals, from neurological issues to severe respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Infected birds/ animals may die suddenly, and many can carry the virus without showing symptoms, which makes detection and early intervention difficult. Moreover, migratory birds that travel long distances can unknowingly spread the virus, increasing the risk of transmission to new areas.


While Australia has not yet reported any cases of H5N1, the arrival of migratory birds carrying the virus from affected regions makes it critical for us to stay alert and proactive.


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Why Is This Important for Our Local Ecosystems?

In the Midwest, we are fortunate to have diverse and vibrant ecosystems, including wetlands and coastal habitats that support a wide variety of bird species. Many of these birds, such as waterfowl and shorebirds, are essential for maintaining ecosystem balance.

For example:

  • Waterfowl help maintain healthy wetlands by controlling aquatic plants and facilitating nutrient cycling.

  • Raptors regulate populations of small mammals and other birds, preventing overpopulation.

  • Scavengers play a crucial role in cleaning up carcasses.


The sudden loss of these bird species due to H5N1 could disrupt these critical functions, causing a ripple effect that impacts the entire ecosystem. For example, the loss of waterfowl could harm wetlands, while the absence of scavenger birds could lead to the buildup of carrion, potentially increasing the risk of other diseases.


With the virus now confirmed in several mammal species overseas, including marine mammals like walruses and sea lions, we face an uncertain future. While no cases have been reported in Australian marsupials, the possibility remains that H5N1 could affect species like koalas, wombats, or even kangaroos—all of which play critical roles in our ecosystems. For example, a disruption to koala populations could have far-reaching consequences for eucalyptus forests, which rely on healthy koala populations for seed dispersal.


How Can the Midwest Community Help?

While we are still in the prevention phase, it is crucial for the community to stay vigilant and proactive. The best way to prevent the spread of H5N1 is through early detection and reporting.


Here’s how we can all contribute:

1. Report Sick or Dead Birds and Wildlife

If you encounter sick or dead birds, or any wildlife that appears unwell, report it immediately. Call the Avian Influenza Hotline at 1800 675 888. Early reporting helps authorities identify potential cases quickly and prevent the spread of the virus. Even if you’re not sure whether an animal is sick, it’s always better to report something that seems out of the ordinary.


2. Avoid Contact with Sick or Dead Animals

While it may seem like a compassionate act to help an injured or sick bird, it’s important to avoid handling sick or dead animals unless absolutely necessary. Touching these animals without proper protective gear could spread the virus further. If you must handle a bird or animal, make sure you’re using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—such as an N95 mask, gloves, and eye protection. Check resources like the CDC Bird Flu Information Page and the WINGS Facebook page for guidance on how to safely interact with wildlife.


3. Keep Pets Safe

If you have backyard poultry, cats, or dogs, it’s important to keep them away from sick or dead wildlife and to monitor their health. Avian Influenza, particularly H5N1, can spread to mammals, so keeping pets on a leash when outside and ensuring they don’t interact with sick wildlife is a simple way to prevent cross-species transmission.


4. Practice Hygiene and Cleanliness

After handling wildlife or being outside, it’s important to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially if you’ve come into contact with animals. If you have backyard poultry, check them regularly for signs of illness, and keep their living spaces clean and isolated from wild birds.



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Why Your Actions Matter: Preventing the Spread of Disease

Ecosystems are intricate, and the loss of one species can have a cascading effect on the entire system. Birds are key to maintaining biodiversity, from pollinating plants to controlling pests and recycling nutrients. If H5N1 were to spread here, the loss of these birds could harm these essential functions, affecting not only the species we love to watch and study, but the entire ecosystem.


What should I do if I see or find a sick or dead bird?

  • AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.

  • RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video if this is possible without approaching the bird.

  • REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.


By acting early, reporting suspicious cases, and practicing simple preventive measures, we can help protect our wildlife and prevent the virus from becoming a larger problem.


Staying Informed: Useful Resources for the Community

Keeping yourself informed is one of the best ways to contribute to this effort.


There are many resources where you can get up-to-date information on H5N1 and how to help:

Australian Resources on Avian Influenza

  1. BirdLife Australia

    Provides detailed information on Avian Influenza's impact on wild birds and how to monitor/report cases.

    Visit BirdLife Australia

  2. Wildlife Health Australia

    Offers a comprehensive fact sheet on Avian Influenza in Australian wild birds, with guidelines for reporting and biosecurity measures.Read the Fact Sheet

  3. Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (Victoria)

    Provides protocols for identifying and reporting Avian Influenza in wildlife, with practical advice for the public.

    Access the Guidelines

  4. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

    Features Australia’s response to Avian Influenza outbreaks, including current surveillance efforts and public advice.

    View Outbreak Information

  5. Biodiversity Council Australia

    Offers a briefing note on H5N1, discussing global impacts and Australian preparedness.Read the Briefing Note


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines

  1. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    Comprehensive guidance on selecting and using PPE to protect against Avian Influenza.

    PPE for Avian Influenza

  2. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Infographic on proper PPE for handling birds and preventing H5N1 exposure.

    Protect Yourself from Avian Influenza

  3. Australian Department of Health and Aged Care

    National guidelines on the use of PPE for individuals working in environments with potential exposure to H5N1.Health.gov.au PPE Guidelines


General Educational Resources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO)

    Global information on Avian Influenza, including prevention strategies and public health recommendations.

    Explore WHO Resources

  2. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

    Offers technical guidance on preventing Avian Influenza spread in poultry and wildlife.Read FAO Guidance

  3. National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program (Australia)

    Details on monitoring programs for early detection of Avian Influenza in wild bird populations.

    Surveillance Program


By staying informed and working together, we can help prevent H5N1 from taking hold in Australia, protecting not only our wildlife but also the broader environment that sustains us all.



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Acknowledgements

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bethany Jackson, Senior Lecturer in Wildlife Health and Epidemiology at Murdoch University, and Sarah Thorpe, RVN and graduating veterinarian at Murdoch University, for their invaluable contributions to the Avian Influenza prevention workshop I attended. Their expertise, along with the ongoing efforts of Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) and NACC, is helping to guide the community through this critical period of preparation and prevention. Their work is a crucial part of the effort to protect our wildlife and prevent the spread of disease.


Final Thoughts: A Community Effort for Prevention

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by global challenges like Avian Influenza, but right now, we are in the prevention stage—and prevention is the most effective tool we have. We all have a part to play in this effort. Whether you’re reporting sick wildlife, keeping your pets safe, or simply staying informed, your actions matter. This is a time for community engagement, not fear.


Let’s work together to safeguard our local wildlife and the ecosystems that make the Midwest such a unique and vibrant place to live. By acting now, we can help ensure that our wildlife and natural environment remain healthy and protected for future generations.


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