H5 bird flu has arrived in Australia: what to do if you see a sick animal and what it means for nature

According to the 2025 Biodiversity Concerns Report, 96% of Australians believe more action is needed to look after the natural environment, while 86% are concerned about the decline of native plants and animals in their local areas.

For many people, a love of nature shapes where we spend our time, how we care for the places around us and how we respond when wildlife may be at risk.

Bank Australia's 2025 Nature Survey found Australians value nature not only for the environmental benefits it provides, but also for its contribution to wellbeing, community and quality of life.

Which is why the recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, commonly known as H5 bird flu, in mainland Australia has many worried, and wondering what they can do to help.

While the situation is still developing, the virus has already had serious impacts on wildlife overseas.  

According to Camille Goldstone-Henry, Bank Australia’s Biodiversity Manager, “the arrival of H5 is a significant development for Australia’s wildlife.

“Since 2021, the current outbreak has affected more than 400 wild bird species and 40 mammal species globally, making it a significant animal disease event”

What is H5 bird flu and how does it spread?

H5 bird flu is a highly contagious strain of avian influenza that primarily affects birds, but can also affect other animals.

• According to the Ecological Society of Australia, the virus can spread through contact with infected animals, contaminated water, infected faeces and carcasses.  
• Birds and animals that gather, feed or move through shared environments may be more exposed, including waterbirds, colony-breeding birds, raptors and scavengers.
• ‍Australia recorded its first mainland detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 in migratory seabirds in June 2026.
• Authorities are increasing surveillance as migratory seabirds move around the coastline.

Why experts are concerned

The impacts of H5 bird flu overseas have been severe.  

The virus has caused mass mortality events in wild birds and has also affected marine mammals, raising concern about what could happen if it spreads more widely in Australia.

Most southern elephant seals live on remote sub-Antarctic islands, including Macquarie Island and Heard Island.  

According to Camille, these populations have already experienced devastating consequences from the virus.

“Researchers estimate more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups died from H5 bird flu on Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, the largest mortality event ever recorded for the species.”

For many Australians, wildlife feels close and familiar, from seabirds along the coast to little penguins, whales and well-known seasonal visitors like Neil the elephant seal in southern Tasmania.

But the larger impacts of wildlife disease often unfold far from view, across remote ecosystems and interconnected species.

Why this matters for Australian wildlife

If H5 bird flu spreads more widely, it could have serious consequences for native birds, marine mammals and other wildlife.  

It could also pose a biosecurity risk to Australia’s poultry and egg industries.

Species identified as potentially at risk include black swans, Australian sea lions, Tasmanian devils, little penguins and other native species, particularly if the virus reaches freshwater systems where it could spread more easily among waterbirds.

Camille says that “while there is still a chance the virus remains limited to a small number of cases, experts warn that if it spreads more widely it could have serious consequences for native species.”

This is where public awareness matters: “People don’t need to be alarmed, but they do need to know what to do if they see something unusual.”

What to do if you see a sick or dead bird

Camille’s advice: If you see a sick or dead bird, especially in coastal areas, wetlands or near waterways, do not touch, handle or move it.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), here’s what to do if you see a sick or dead bird:

• Keep your distance

• Keep dogs on a lead and away from wildlife

• Record the location as accurately as possible  

• If safe, take photos from a distance

• Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, which is operating 24 hours a day: 1800 675 888

Camille adds, do not assume someone else has already reported it.  

“Each report can help authorities monitor potential outbreaks and build a clearer picture of what is happening.”

And while it can be hard to see an animal that appears sick or injured, the safest thing you can do is let trained experts respond.

“One of the most important things we can do right now is help protect wildlife by keeping our distance,” says Camille.

What about human health?

Current advice is that H5 bird flu remains a low risk to the general public, and human infections are rare.

The focus instead is on protecting wildlife, supporting monitoring efforts and reducing the risk of people or pets coming into contact with sick or dead animals.

Small actions can support a bigger response

The 2025 Biodiversity Concerns Report clearly shows Australians want more action for nature, with 95% believing more of the federal budget should be dedicated to nature protection.

Protecting nature also depends on everyday awareness from people who spend time near beaches, wetlands, parks and waterways.

“Small actions can help support monitoring efforts, inform response planning and protect Australia’s unique wildlife,” says Camille.  

Read more about our nature and biodiversity strategy here.