High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain 2.3.4.4b ('H5 bird flu') 

Members of the WDA are concerned about the impacts of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain 2.3.4.4b (hereafter “H5 bird flu”) on our native wildlife (birds and mammals) if and when it arrives in Australia and New Zealand. It is not possible to prevent the spread of H5 bird flu to Australia and New Zealand via wildlife movements, and the prognosis for susceptible wildlife that become sick is very poor.  

 

The current dominant strain of H5 bird flu has been a 'game changer' for wildlife, causing a significant increase in the frequency and geographic range of HPAI outbreaks in both wild birds and poultry overseas. H5 bird flu has now caused unprecedented outbreaks of HPAI in wild birds, mammals (both wild and domestic) and poultry in all geographical regions except Oceania (which includes Australia and New Zealand). At least 500 species from more than half of all bird orders have been affected by H5 bird flu worldwide, with over half being newly reported species since 2021 when this strain emerged. More than 80 mammalian species have also been affected by H5 bird flu, with over half being newly reported species since 2021.

 

Many of our members are working with government and not-for-profit organisations to prepare for the arrival of the virus.

 

Given that, in most circumstances, little can be done to prevent the arrival and spread of this virus to our native wildlife, the resilience of our wild populations will be important to their ability to recover from the impacts of H5 bird flu. The ongoing work of ecologists, veterinarians, researchers, land managers, governmental agency staff and others in promoting and conserving the health and habitats of our wildlife is more important than ever.

 

WDA-A would like to remind readers that avian influenza is a nationally notifiable disease.

 

Anyone who suspects an animal might be infected with avian influenza has a legal responsibility to report it to their jurisdiction’s biosecurity agency by phoning the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (Australia). 

 

If you are in New Zealand, the MPI advice is that 'if you see 3 or more sick or dead birds in a group within a short period, or suspect a case of HPAI, contact the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66 immediately' (New Zealand).

 

For further information on HPAI in wildlife in our region, please see:

• The H5 bird flu Incident Information page on the WHA website https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Incidents/Incident-Information/alert-h5n1-h5-bird-flu-global-outbreak

• The HPAI H5N1 monitoring project website of the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research https://scar.org/library-data/avian-flu

• Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) position on HPAI: https://www.anzcvs.org.au/chapters/zoo+and+wildlife+chapter/news/anzcvs-position-statement---integration-of-wildlife-veterinarians-into-emergency-management/ 

• New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries position on HPAI: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/

 

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