Latest emergency response news
Updated: 18 June 2025
On 13 June 2025 Agriculture Victoria announced that the February 2025 outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H7N8 in northern Victoria had been successfully eradicated.
Agriculture Victoria had confirmed the detection of HPAI H7N8 at an egg farm on 8 February 2025, with three additional farms also found to be infected later in February. Quarantine has been revoked on the four infected properties and the legal order for the surrounding area has been lifted. There are no longer specific movement controls associated with the incident.
This was not the H5N1 HPAI strain that is occurring overseas. At the time of writing, HPAI H5Nx 2.3.4.4b has not been detected in Australia.
For details about this outbreak, visit Agriculture Victoria or outbreak.gov.au.
If you suspect avian influenza in birds in Australia, immediately notify your private veterinarian, jurisdictional department of primary industries or equivalent or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
About avian influenza (AI)
Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease that mainly affects birds. It comes in two forms:
- Low pathogenicity AI (LPAI) — common in wild birds and usually doesn’t cause noticeable illness.
- High pathogenicity AI (HPAI) — can cause serious disease and death in birds, especially poultry.
AI viruses have been detected in over 500 bird species globally. Wild birds are the natural hosts of LPAI and can carry and shed the virus without appearing sick. These birds play a key role in the global spread of AI.
In Australia, all recorded HPAI outbreaks have originated from local LPAI H7 viruses that mutated into more virulent forms.
The HPAI H5Nx strains such as H5N1 and H5N8, which are widespread overseas, have not yet been detected in Australia.
Human health risks
Humans can become infected with AI viruses, but this is rare. Most human cases come from direct contact with infected birds or their droppings.
In Australia, the risk of catching AI from healthy birds during normal contact is very low.
There’s no evidence that AI can spread to humans through properly cooked food.
Avian influenza in Australia
Australia has experienced several AI outbreaks over the past 13 years. All HPAI outbreaks in Australia are suspected to come from mutation of LPAI viruses that were already present in Australia. Each outbreak was successfully contained and eradicated.
Recent HPAI outbreaks
- 2012 (NSW): HPAI H7N7 in one commercial egg farm (Hunter Valley)
- 2013 (NSW): HPAI H7N2 in two commercial egg farms (Young)
- 2020 (VIC): HPAI H7N7 in three commercial egg farms
- 2024 (VIC): HPAI H7N3 in seven poultry farms (Meredith); H7N9 in one poultry farm (Terang)
- 2024 (NSW): HPAI H7N8 in two commercial poultry and four backyard flocks (Hawkesbury)
- 2024 (ACT): HPAI H7N8 in one commercial egg farm linked to the NSW outbreak
- 2025 (VIC): HPAI H7N8 in four commercial egg farms in northern Victoria
Avian influenza overseas
The global situation with AI is dynamic. Continued vigilance is necessary.
Globally, HPAI has become more widespread and persistent. Over 80 countries reported HPAI outbreaks in poultry and other animals in 2024-25. Outbreaks occur regularly in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, affecting both wild birds and poultry.
With its increased prevalence, HPAI may be becoming endemic in regions where it has historically been seasonal, such as in Europe. This is making eradication more difficult.
The HPAI H5Nx 2.3.4.4b strain is spreading globally, causing unprecedented outbreaks in domestic poultry and wild birds. Numerous species of terrestrial and aquatic mammals have also been infected — mainly marine mammals and bird-eating scavengers.
In the United States, HPAI H5Nx 2.3.4.4b has been detected in dairy cattle across many states and in some goats, alpacas, and pigs. Wild migratory birds are believed to be the source of the virus, and cattle movements between herds are thought to have contributed to spread within the US. More recently, HPAI H5Nx has been found in a single sheep in the United Kingdom.
Details on the locations of historic and current outbreaks are available at WAHIS.
Could HPAI H5 reach Australia?
While HPAI H5Nx has not yet been detected in Australia, it could enter. Potential pathways include:
- migratory birds or other wildlife movements
- illegal imports of birds or poultry products
- contaminated equipment, clothing, or vehicles
Continued surveillance and strong biosecurity are essential to prevent introduction and spread.
Signs of HPAI in birds
The clinical signs of HPAI vary depending on the virus strain, bird species, age, and environmental factors. Some birds may show no signs at all.
Common signs in poultry
- sudden death, often without warning
- increased flock mortality
- lethargy, reduced feed and water intake
- respiratory issues (watery eyes, nasal discharge, coughing)
- neurological signs (tremors, paralysis)
- swollen head, blue combs and wattles (cyanosis)
- drop in egg production or misshapen/soft-shelled eggs
Common signs in ducks
- often show neurological signs like tremors and lethargy
Common signs of HPAI in cattle (US cases)
- decreased milk production
- fever, dehydration, reduced appetite
- lethargy and respiratory signs
Note: clinical signs alone are not enough to confirm HPAI. Laboratory testing is required for diagnosis.
Reporting avian influenza in Australia
HPAI is a nationally notifiable disease. If you suspect avian influenza in birds in Australia, immediately notify your private veterinarian, jurisdictional department of primary industries or equivalent or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.