Sydney Wildlife Rescue
Membership Website

 Avian Influenza (HPAI/Bird Flu) Information

What do we need to know as wildlife rehabilitators?

• Wildlife rehabilitators are often the first people to spot something unusual in wildlife, and early detection matters a lot for containing this disease.
• The public health risk remains low - human infection is rare.
• This is an evolving situation; information will change and we need to remain aware of current advice to provide to members of the public and to keep ourselves and our families safe.
• Biosecurity basics are critical for everyone handling any wildlife currently.

What do we need to watch for?

Be alert to birds (and mammals) showing:

• Neurological signs - incoordination, circling, tremors, head tilt.
• Respiratory signs - nasal or eye discharge, laboured breathing.
• Sudden, unexplained death, especially in groups.
• Severe lethargy or swelling.

Waterbirds, shorebirds, seabirds (penguins, pelicans), raptors, and corvids are higher-risk species to be extra cautious with. Any bird can potentially carry it.

Rescuers and carers

• Don't touch sick or dead wild birds, or go near their droppings/feathers, without PPE (gloves, gowns, eye protection, masks and shoe covers).
• Record what you see - location, date, species, number affected, photos if you can do so safely from a distance.
• Report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24 hours) if you encounter:
• • 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species
  • 2 or more sick or dead backyard poultry or pet birds
  • even 1 sick or dead penguin, pelican, bird of prey, black swan, or marine mammal.
• Update WildNotes and ensure you liaise with your coordinator (of the affected species).
• Ensure you call ahead to vets with the symptoms of the animal and that you are concerned that they are exhibiting signs of HPAI.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect equipment between animals.
• Handle birds and animals in a well-ventilated space and avoid inhaling dried droppings/dust.

Carers (additional quarantine and isolation requirements)

• Gloves, mask, gowns and eye protection when handling any wild bird or animal with these symptoms
• A fresh pair of gloves per animal.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect equipment between animals
• Handle birds and animals in a well-ventilated space and avoid inhaling dried droppings/dust
• Isolate any bird or animal with unexplained illness from your other animals before assessing further. Isolation and quarantine are imperative.

Rescue Line Operators

If members of the public call and describe wildlife showing suspected signs of avian flu (outlined above) - please advise them of the following:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not touch, move or approach the bird, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
• RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video (if possible) without approaching the bird.
• REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately on the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
• REPEAT that they need to contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline themselves and provide them with our card number.

What is Sydney Wildlife Rescue doing?

We're monitoring the situation closely and will update our protocols immediately if there's any detection closer to home. We'll keep you posted as the situation develops.

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• MediDivert PPE information and Pack contents.
• HPAI Information Session for Wildlife Rehabilitators. Wildlife Webinar Series (2021).
• Guide for Investigation and Management of Multiple Wildlife Mortality or Illness Event.