No doubt everyone is hearing the early reports of the first cases of H5 Bird Flu. We want to collate whatever information people will need to be responsible birders. Please share any information you come across that may be of use.

I'm pulling all of this initial information straight from BirdLife Australia.

What should I do if I suspect a wild bird may be infected with H5 bird flu?

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Observe from a distance, and 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. 

Details that will assist the response include:

• location (address and/or GPS coordinates if possible),
• date and time of the sighting (and when signs of disease were first noticed),
• the estimated number of sick or dead animals and other animals at the site,
• notes of any clinical signs that sick animals are showing, and
• contact details of any observers.

What are the symptoms of H5 bird flu in birds?

Numerous dead birds in a location, including small groups or clusters (five or more) of wild birds of any species could be a sign that H5 bird flu has infected local populations and should be reported.

Individual dead birds, or fewer than five sick or dead wild birds, should be reported if they are seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey.

In individual birds, warning signs that should be reported include:

• a lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
• twisted neck or other abnormal posture
• inability to stand or fly
• diarrhoea
• difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
• swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes
• sudden death.

Ways to prepare for H5 bird flu

1. Adopt baseline biosecurity practices if coming into contact with any birds – including wild birds (alive or dead), backyard poultry and aviary birds. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after any contact, keep any captive bird areas clean and disinfected, and where possible use standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when around birds including gloves, P2 or N95 mask. These practices also protect humans from other diseases such as Psittacosis.
2. Be ready to report a case. Familiarise yourself with the warning signs and immediately report the details of any suspected case to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Saving this number to your phone may come in handy.
3. Wash your footwear (where practical to do so) before and after visiting national parks, nature reserves or agricultural areas to help reduce the chance of accidentally spreading H5N1 in contaminated soil. Be sure to remove all mud, soil and debris, on-site. Disinfect footwear with a spray bottle containing disinfectant both before entering and upon leaving a location. Recommended disinfectants include methylated spirits (70–100%), a diluted bleach solution (25%) or F10 solution. This practice not only helps with current protocols but also minimises the spread of other diseases that can negatively impact nature.
4. Help birds with their social distancing. Although an outbreak is unlikely to appear in our backyards, it is best to avoid feeding birds as it brings them into close contact with each other, increasing the likelihood of diseases being spread. This applies to several diseases already present in Australia.
5. Avoid disturbing flocks of birds and keep dogs leashed on beaches where birds are present to prevent unnecessary movement and mixing of birds in the environment. Reducing unnecessary stress to birds also improves their immune responses and can help them survive an infection.

Links:

https://birdlife.org.au/h5-bird-flu-avoid-record-report/

https://birdlife.org.au/avian-influenza-and-h5-bird-flu-frequently-asked-questions/

https://letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/wtpbirdwatching/avian-influenza-preparedness-western-treatment-plant

https://aussieanimals.com/health/bird-flu/

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