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Bird flu (avian influenza) in humans for health professionals
Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses are common in wild birds and cause outbreaks in poultry. Infection of humans with bird flu viruses is uncommon.
South Australia has confirmed its first detection of H5 bird flu (avian influenza) in a Southern Giant Petrel on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
For more information on the current situation visit the Primary Industries and Regions website. For information on human health, visit Bird flu (avian influenza) page.
Bird flu in humans is a notifiable condition.
What is bird flu (avian influenza)?
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is caused by various strains of influenza A viruses.
Some strains of bird flu cause no or mild disease while others can cause severe disease and death in wild birds and poultry (such as chickens). Certain strains can infect mammals including seals and livestock.
The risk to global public health has been assessed as low by the World Health Organization and to national public health in Australia as low by the Australian Centre for Disease Control.
Bird flu in humans
For more information on bird flu in humans, including symptoms, diagnosis, management, testing, treatment and prevention, see the Avian influenza (bird flu) Health professional factsheet (PDF 179KB) and the Avian Influenza in Humans Initial Patient Management Flow Chart (PDF 59KB)