Bird flu (Avian influenza) - Bird hunters and egg harvesters

What is bird flu?

• Bird flu (also called avian influenza) is a sickness that birds can get.
• It can make birds feel tired, act strange, or even die.
• There's a kind called H5 bird flu that has made a lot of wild birds sick and die in other countries.
• This type of bird flu can also make other warm-blooded animals sick, like seals and dogs.
• So far, cold blooded animals like lizards, fish and frogs, have not caught H5 bird flu overseas.
• It can also make people sick - but this is rare.
• While H5 bird flu has not reached Australia yet, we can still prepare and help keep people, animals and Country safe.

What NOT to do

• Don't touch sick or dead birds.
• Don't go near bird poop or feathers lying around.
• Don't let your dog, or other pets, sniff or touch them either.

If you're hunting wild birds

• Watch for sick birds and report if you see any.
• Don't touch or move sick or dead birds, also avoid other wildlife in the area even if they seem healthy.
• If you touch a sick looking animal by mistake, wash your hands as soon as you can. Avoid touching your face until you have washed your hands.
• Wash your hands really well after handling wild game.

If you're collecting eggs

• Wash your hands really well afterwards.
• Don't eat or drink and avoid touching your face until your hands are clean.
• Don't take eggs if there are sick or dead birds in the area.

Cooking and cleaning safely

• Make sure eggs and wild animal meat are cooked well and all the way through.
• Use different knives and boards for raw meat and cooked food.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching eggs and raw meat.
• Always clean tools and surfaces before and after cooking.

What to do if you see sick birds or mammals

• Avoid going near sick or dead wildlife. Keep your family, dogs and other pets away too.
• Record what you see. Write down where it happened, how many animals you saw, and what they looked like. Take a photo or video if it's safe.
• Report it to someone you trust. This might be a local ranger, health worker, community leader, or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.

For more information:

• Talk to a ranger or trusted person in your community
• view our other Bird flu materials
• or view the video below to hear information in Kunwinkju.