H5 Bird flu (high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza)
Find out what it is, where to find the latest advice and what to do if you find a sick or dead bird.
H5 bird flu (High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza) is a disease that mainly affects birds. It can spread quickly and cause severe illness or death in birds, poultry and some mammals.
Human infection is rare but can range from mild illness to severe disease, such as pneumonia or encephalitis. People are most at risk if they have close contact with infected birds or animals.
The NSW Government is responsible for managing bird flu outbreaks and providing the latest advice for animal owners and professionals, and the wider community.
Visit the Bird Flu webpage to find out more.
What to do if you find a sick or dead bird
The NSW Government advice is to:
- Avoid contact
- Record what you see and the location
- Report it immediately by:
- Completing the online reporting form, or
- Calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
For the latest advice, visit the NSW Government's Bird Flu webpage.
