Infographic showing three steps for reporting suspected bird flu. On the left, yellow panels with icons state: “Avoid – Stay a safe distance away from the animal and do not touch”; “Record – Take a photo or video and record the date, time and location”; and “Report – Phone the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.” On the right, a close-up photograph of a brown and white shorebird standing on a beach, with blurred birds in the background.

H5 bird flu (specifically high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1strain 2.3.4.4b), is a serious and highly contagious strain of avian influenza, an infectious zoonotic viral disease that has spread quickly across the world.

H5 bird flu has been detected in Western Australia, in a small number of wild sea birds. Currently there have been no detections of H5 bird flu in poultry and no evidence of other significant mortalities.  

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is Western Australia’s lead agency for H5 bird flu.  
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is working alongside DPIRD and other State and Federal agencies to prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu in wildlife.  

The Western Australian Government is providing weekly updates on H5 bird flu to keep the community informed about the current situation in WA. Visit wa.gov.au/birdflu

For information on H5 bird flu in Australia, visit birdflu.gov.au

Reporting

Know the signs and how to report H5 bird flu.

H5 bird flu

Bird flu vaccination trial

A trial involving black cockatoos is underway at Perth Zoo.

H5 bird flu

Bird Flu Wildlife Advisory Group

The Minister for the Environment has convened an expert group.

H5 bird flu

Wildlife

H5 bird flu impacts on native wildlife.

H5 bird flu

Preparing and responding

State and Federal response to H5 bird flu. 

H5 bird flu

Biosecurity

Advice for individuals that may handle wild birds or mammals.

H5 bird flu

Human health

Understanding the risk to humans.

H5 bird flu

Resources

Wildlife carers

H5 bird flu webinar for WA wildlife carers and rehabilitators - 9 July 2026
Information for wildlife carers
Bird flu toolkit for people who work with birds 
National Wildlife Biosecurity Guidelines
Wildlife Health Australia HPAI Information and Resources
National Avian Influenza Wild Bird (NAIWB) surveillance program

Veterinary resources

Avian influenza webinar for Western Australian veterinarians - 11 February 2025
Veterinary Personal Biosecurity & PPE
Avian influenza: Guide for veterinary practices 
EADRA, AUSVETPLAN, training resources 
HPAI Risk Mitigation Toolbox for Wildlife Care Providers
National Wildlife Biosecurity Guidelines 

Human health

WA Department of Health – avian influenza
WA public health units contacts
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 

Information for Traditional Owners

Information for First Nations communities - DCCEEW 

Information for Commercial Tourism Operators

Frequently asked questions for Commercial Tourism Operators

Related

Wildcare Helpline

The Wildcare Helpline is a telephone referral service operated by volunteers on behalf of the department. 

Biosecurity

Advice for individuals that may handle wild birds or mammals.

Bird flu vaccination trial

A trial involving black cockatoos is underway at Perth Zoo.

Bird Flu Wildlife Advisory Group

The Minister for the Environment has convened an expert group.

Human health

Understanding the risk to humans.

Preparing and responding

State and Federal response to H5 bird flu. 

Reporting

Know the signs and how to report H5 bird flu.

Wildlife

H5 bird flu impacts on native wildlife.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.