What are the Avian influenza viruses?
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is caused by certain types of influenza A virus. Like other strains of flu, these viruses naturally circulate in wild aquatic birds such as ducks and geese around the world. Unlike other flu strains they have a high case fatality rate. To date, sustained person-to-person transmission has not been seen with avian influenza.
Humans occasionally catch avian influenza after it has spread to domestic poultry or other animals. Fortunately, this is a rare event. Since 2003, the World Health Organisation has recorded 993 confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu, and 477 deaths worldwide.
FAQs
Which countries or locations have bird flu, and what is the risk to travellers?
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Avian influenza outbreaks in birds have been reported in parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Outbreaks can occur in commercial poultry farms, backyard flocks and live bird markets, which can spread to humans. Due to the ever-changing nature of outbreaks, travellers should check official updates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) before departure.
In Australia, outbreaks of a less dangerous strain have been reported in commercial and backyard flocks. These outbreaks have been contained.
Globally, the risk of transmission to most travellers is low. Human infections have generally occurred in people who had close, prolonged and unprotected contact with infected poultry, such as farm workers or those visiting live bird markets. Casual contact in urban tourist settings carries low risk.
What should I watch out for while travelling?
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If you are travelling to a country with reported bird flu outbreaks, avoid direct contact with live poultry, birds, and animals in affected areas. This includes farms, backyard poultry settings and live bird or wet markets where birds are slaughtered on site. Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with bird droppings or secretions.
Food safety is also important. Properly cooked chicken, duck and eggs are safe to eat because the virus is destroyed by heat. Avoid raw or undercooked poultry products and unpasteurised egg-based dishes. Practising good hand hygiene, especially before eating and after being in public places, significantly reduces risk.
If you are travelling to rural areas or staying with local families who keep poultry, take extra care to avoid handling birds and ensure children do not play in areas where poultry roam freely.
Is there a vaccine for avian influenza?
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The seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers over six months of age. While it does not protect against bird flu, it reduces the risk you will be infected with both bird flu and seasonal flu at the same time. This reduces the chance that the two viruses can mix to create a more dangerous virus.
In some countries, targeted avian influenza vaccines may be developed or stockpiled for emergency use in high-risk groups, but these are not part of routine travel vaccination schedules.
Preventive measures such as avoiding exposure and practising good hygiene remain the most effective protection for travellers.
I have flu-like symptoms after travel. Could it be bird flu?
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Symptoms of avian influenza in people can range from mild flu-like illness to severe respiratory disease. Early signs include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue, and some people may develop shortness of breath or pneumonia.
If you develop flu-like symptoms during or after travel to a country with known bird flu activity, especially after contact with birds or live animal markets, seek medical care promptly. Tell your doctor about your travel history and any possible bird exposure. Diagnosis requires laboratory testing, and early treatment can help reduce the severity of illness. While bird flu is rare in travellers, prompt medical attention ensures proper care and helps health authorities contain the spread.
What to Know
Bird Flu symptoms
Avian influenza symptoms can resemble those of seasonal influenza, but illness may range from mild to very severe, depending on the virus strain and individual health factors. Bird flu symptoms can last from a few days to two weeks, and people can be contagious for a week or longer until acute symptoms resolve.
Early symptoms often include fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue with respiratory signs such as shortness of breath. Some people have experienced nausea, vomiting or conjunctivitis. Severe infections can lead to pneumonia, breathing difficulties and complications that require urgent medical care.
If you develop flu-like symptoms after travel to regions with known bird flu activity, seek medical attention promptly and mention your travel history to ensure appropriate testing and care.
Bird flu diagnosis and treatment
Influenza can only be confirmed through specialised laboratory testing. Doctors typically use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on a swab taken from the nose or throat to detect the virus. In addition to routine influenza PCR tests, there is a specific PCR just for bird flu.
It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about any recent travel to areas with reported bird flu cases or any contact with birds, poultry farms, or live animal markets so they can perform the right PCR tests.
When appropriate, antiviral medications such as oseltamivir may be recommended by your doctor. In addition to antivirals, treatment for avian influenza focuses on supportive care such as rest, fluids and medications to relieve symptoms.
Severe infections may require hospital care, including respiratory support and close monitoring. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the severity of illness and improve recovery outcomes.
Bird flu prevention
Travellers from Australia can greatly reduce their risk of avian influenza by following simple but effective precautions. Avoid visiting live bird markets, poultry farms, or areas where sick or dead birds may be present, especially in countries with active outbreaks. Do not touch birds, their droppings, or other animal waste.
Frequent hand washing with soap and water is essential, particularly before eating or touching your face. Ensure that all poultry, eggs, and egg-based dishes are thoroughly cooked, as proper cooking kills the virus. Avoid raw or undercooked poultry products and unpasteurised eggs.
If your travel or work involves contact with birds or poultry follow additional occupational safety guidance, including using personal protective equipment and maintaining biosecurity measures.
There is currently no vaccine specifically for bird flu. However, the seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended to prevent infection with both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time. In this situation, the two viruses can mix to create a more dangerous virus.
Stay informed about health advice and outbreak warnings from the authorities in your destination country, as well as from the World Health Organisation and the Australian Centre for Disease Control.