NEWS: H5N1 avian flu detected in Australia

24/7 Emergency Rescue Hotline 07 5527 2444

Wildcare Logo White
Donate Button
Bird flu heading

Menu

Critical H5N1 Bird Flu Information

In preparation for the H5N1 bird flu, Wildcare has established a dedicated volunteer team (the Wildcare H5 Team), who have spent considerable time researching the disease and developing our internal protocols.

We have outlined below some important information for all volunteers and strongly encourage you to read it carefully and save the resources provided.

What can you do now?

Wildlife volunteers have faced many challenges over the years, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation will present new challenges for all of us, but by working together, following consistent protocols and supporting one another, we will navigate it successfully. 

We encourage all active volunteers to set aside some time to learn about H5 bird flu, how it affects wildlife, and what it may mean for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. We expect the situation to evolve rapidly over the coming weeks and months.

Many organisiations are providing information and below are links to their websites:

How can you prepare?

All active rescuers, transporters and carers should:

  • Monitor your Wildcare emails for updates to our internal protocols.
  • Check the Wildcare Transport Facebook groups regularly, where urgent updates will be posted.
  • Ensure you have adequate PPE, including:
    – P2/N95 face masks
    – Disposable gloves
    – Well-fitting safety glasses or goggles
    – Disposable gowns or coveralls
  • Keep a good supply of single-use cardboard boxes available for transporting sick birds. Using disposable boxes reduces the need to transfer birds between carriers and helps minimise the risk of spreading infection.

We also encourage wildlife rescuers to increase their use of PPE immediately when attending sick or injured birds, particularly waterbirds, shorebirds, seabirds and raptors. This includes:

  • Wearing a P2/N95 face mask
  • Wearing safety glasses or goggles
  • Wearing disposable gloves
  • Spraying your footwear thoroughly with F10 before leaving the rescue site (dilution 2:500)
  • Disinfecting PPE and rescue equipment with F10 as soon as possible after each rescue (dilution 2:500)

Please also ensure you have the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline number saved in your phone: 1800 675 888

Bird Flu - Seagull