Report suspected bird flu in Queensland

Bird flu is a nationally notifiable animal disease. Anyone who suspects an animal might be infected with bird flu has a legal responsibility to report it as soon as possible.

What to report

  • 5 or more sick or dead birds of any species
  • Any number of sick or dead:
    • seabirds
    • shorebirds
    • waterbirds
    • birds of prey
    • marine mammals.

Signs of infection

Birds:

  • Lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
  • Twisted necks or other abnormal posture
  • Inability to stand or fly
  • Diarrhoea
  • Difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
  • Swelling of the head, neck and eyes
  • Cloudiness or change in colour of eyes

Marine mammals:

  • Lack of coordination and tremors
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Drooling

How to report

  1. Avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their environment:
    • do not touch or collect sick or dead animals
    • keep children and pets away.
  2. Record what you see:
    • number of dead or sick animals
    • species
    • location (address, GPS pin, nearby roads or landmarks)
    • what they look like (e.g. freshly dead or just bones, signs of disease)
    • date and time you saw the animals
    • take photos or videos without approaching or touching the animal.
  3. Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

After you report

A Biosecurity Queensland officer will review every report received. Depending on the outcome of the risk assessment, we may call you for further information.

In some cases, birds may be collected for testing. Not all wild birds will be collected — this depends on the outcome of the risk assessment, and birds assessed as low risk may not require collection.

If you are unable to prevent children or pets from accessing a carcass and need to dispose of it yourself, follow the disposal guide.

Protect yourself and others

H5 bird flu is a disease that mainly affects birds, however on rare occasions it can spread to humans after close contact with infected birds, animals or contaminated environments.

Do not touch dead aminals, feathers, droppings, fluids, or anything the animal may have touched with your bare skin.

If contact occurs, wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. Use hand sanitiser or cleansing wipes (baby wipes) if soap and water are not available.

If someone has influenza-like symptoms after contact with infected birds, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Stay informed