A seagull flying against a blue sky with wispy clouds.

H5N1 Avian Influenza, otherwise known as Bird Flu, can affect birds in different ways.

Some birds may appear very sick, while others may show few or no warning signs.

You do not need to be certain that a bird has bird flu before reporting it.

If something does not look right, it is best to report it.

How to tell if a
bird has Bird Flu.

Signs may include:

being unable to stand, walk, swim or fly normally

falling over or moving in circles

holding its head or neck in an unusual position

shaking, twitching or appearing poorly coordinated

breathing with its mouth open, coughing or sneezing

appearing unusually quiet, weak, droopy or puffed up

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being reluctant to move, eat or drink

swelling around the head

sudden death

Illustration showing a person practicing social distancing with a dog, with a measuring line indicating two meters distance from a bird.
Illustration showing a person practicing social distancing with a dog, with a measuring line indicating two meters distance from a bird.

Found a sick or dead bird? Here’s what to do:

Blue line drawing of a bird, smartphone with camera icon, and location pin on a white background.

Avoid

Do not touch the bird. Leave it where it is and make sure you keep pets away.

Record

Note the location of the bird and take a photo or video from a safe distance.

A blue circle icon with a phone handset and an exclamation mark indicating a missed or problematic call or call alert.

Report

Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 785 888.


The hotline will advise you on next steps.
Do not dispose of the bird,
unless you are advised to.

Stay informed.
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