Bird Flu

What is HPAI?

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral disease caused by influenza A virus. There are many different strains of avian influenza, which are categorised as either low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI) depending on the severity of disease.

HPAI typically causes severe disease in poultry and may impact other species including wild birds, mammals and humans. Although avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans, some subtypes have been associated with disease in humans ranging from mild illness to severe disease.

Help Protect Moonlit’s Birds and Wildlife

The health and wellbeing of our animals is our highest priority. To help minimise the risk of avian influenza (bird flu), we ask all visitors to follow these simple precautions during their visit:

Please do not feed or interact with wild birds around the Sanctuary. Any animal food sold on-site is intended only for our kangaroos and wallabies.
Arrive with clean footwear, particularly if you have recently visited beaches, wetlands, parks, farms, or other areas where wild waterbirds or seabirds may be present.
Practice good hand hygiene by washing or sanitising your hands regularly throughout your visit.
Wear clean clothing if you are participating in one of our animal encounters, particularly if you have pets, poultry, or birds at home.

These small actions help protect the animals in our care and support our ongoing biosecurity measures. Thank you for helping us keep our wildlife safe.

Which animals are affected?

A wide range of bird species can be infected with HPAI, including waterbirds, poultry and migratory birds. A wide range of mammals can also be infected with HPAI, particularly marine mammals and species that predate or scavenge on bird carcasses.

Can people be affected?

Yes. However, human cases of HPAI strain 2.3.4.4b (H5N1) are very rare and have mainly occurred in people working in close and unprotected contact with infected birds (e.g. poultry farmers).

What should I do if I see sick/dead birds in my local area?

HPAI is a nationally notifiable disease in Australia, which means if you see an animal with suspected avian influenza you must report it. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds / animals. Report any suspected cases to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or your local veterinarian. Record the date, time, location and take a photo.

What does HPAI look like?

Clinical signs in wild birds can include:

incoordination, tremors, swimming in circles,
twisted necks or other abnormal posture,
inability to stand or fly,
diarrhoea,
difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing,
swelling around the head, neck and eyes,
cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes, or
sudden death, including the potential for mass mortality events.

Some bird species may not show any signs of disease or show only mild signs.

Infected mammals may show a wide range of clinical signs, including:

incoordination and tremors,
seizures,
difficulty breathing,
nasal discharge or drooling, or
death, including the potential for mass mortality events.

Where can I find more information?

Learn more by visiting the Zoo and Aquarium Association’s page here: www.zooaquarium.org.au/HPAI

Response Plans in Place

Bird Flu Threat Highlights Importance of Protecting Critically Endangered Species

With the recent detection of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in Australia, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is reassuring the public that it has comprehensive biosecurity measures and response plans ready to protect birdlife at the Sanctuary. These plans include safeguarding some of Australia’s most endangered species.

Home to a diverse range of native birds, including the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot and regent honeyeater, Moonlit Sanctuary has spent the past 12 months actively preparing for the possible arrival of avian influenza in Australia. Following reports of outbreaks overseas, the Sanctuary began reviewing and strengthening its response plans, ensuring that additional biosecurity measures and contingency procedures are ready to be implemented immediately if required.

Moonlit Sanctuary Founder and Director Michael Johnson said wildlife parks and conservation organisations play an important role in protecting vulnerable species from this emerging threat.

“When avian influenza began spreading internationally, we recognised that it was something Australia needed to be prepared for,” Mr Johnson said.

“Over the past 12 months we’ve carefully reviewed our procedures, developed response plans and ensured we have the resources in place to act quickly if the risk level increases.”

“Protecting our birds, particularly threatened species involved in conservation breeding programs, is a top priority.”

While there is no cause for public alarm, Moonlit Sanctuary is working closely with veterinary professionals, government agencies and industry associations to stay informed and respond appropriately as the situation evolves.

The sanctuary’s preparedness measures include monitoring bird health, enhanced hygiene and quarantine protocols, staff training, public signage and contingency plans designed to minimise the risk of disease transmission.

As one of Victoria’s leading wildlife conservation parks, Moonlit Sanctuary is also available to assist media outlets seeking expert commentary on avian influenza, its potential impacts on wildlife, and the measures being taken by conservation organisations to protect vulnerable bird species.

“Bird flu is a complex issue that affects not only agriculture but also wildlife conservation,” Mr Johnson said. “There is understandably a lot of public interest whenever cases are detected, and it’s important that accurate information is available to help people understand the risks and the response.”

Moonlit Sanctuary has extensive experience caring for native bird species and participates in several conservation programs for threatened Australian wildlife.