Bird flu warning for Australians travelling overseas
Several strains of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (commonly known as bird flu) are circulating globally. This has caused outbreaks in poultry and wild birds, particularly in:
- Europe
- North and South America
- Asia.
Human infection is rare. But be aware of increased health risks when travelling to impacted countries.
What is highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (Avian influenza)?
Avian influenza is an infectious disease caused by a group of influenza viruses. The viruses mainly affect birds. But they can also infect other animals, including mammals. Infected birds and other animals can spread the viruses to humans.
Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat if handled and cooked using safe food handling practices.
If you’re infected, you might not show any symptoms. Or, you might get:
- eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis)
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or blocked nose
- muscle or body aches
- fatigue
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- pneumonia.
Less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or seizures.
For more information on Avian Influenza, visit the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control.
Before you travel
Research the health risks in your destinations before you go.
There’s currently no vaccine available specifically for avian influenza. But getting the annual influenza vaccine is important to stop avian influenza from becoming a bigger threat to humans.
If you plan to travel overseas, ensure your influenza vaccine is up to date.
While you’re away
- Minimise contact with animals in areas affected by avian influenza.
- Avoid contact with dead or sick animals, including wild birds.
- Avoid poultry farms and live bird ‘wet’ markets.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially after contact with animals and their environments.
- Ensure that poultry or poultry products are cooked thoroughly before eating.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms.
Talk to a doctor if you feel unwell.
If you feel unwell while travelling back to Australia, tell a crew member or airport staff. Make sure to tell them about any contact with sick people or animals.
When you get home
See your doctor if you show symptoms of avian influenza after returning to Australia. Tell them your recent travel history, including any contact with sick people or animals.
Read more
- See our general travel health advice.
- Read about preventing infectious diseases while overseas.
- Understand how the Australian Government can and can’t help if you get sick overseas.
See also
- Visit the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control – Avian influenza (bird flu).
