News release

From: Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID)

Staying vigilant against avian influenza: A One Health approach for veterinarians and clinicians

The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) encourages veterinarians, infectious diseases physicians, general practitioners, emergency clinicians, microbiologists, public health practitioners and wildlife professionals to remain informed and vigilant regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.

Australia has well-established surveillance and response systems spanning across animal health and public health. These systems depend upon timely reporting of suspected disease events and close collaboration between veterinarians, clinicians, laboratories and government agencies. Early reporting supports rapid investigation and is one of Australia's most effective tools for protecting wildlife, human health and the agricultural industry.

While the number of positive detections across Australia continues to increase with spillover to marine and terrestrial mammals, the current risk to the Australian public remains low. Human infection with H5N1 is uncommon and has primarily occurred overseas following close, unprotected exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments. Sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported.

Advice for veterinarians

Veterinarians should remain alert for any illnesses or deaths in birds and susceptible mammals, use appropriate personal protective equipment and biosecurity practices when investigating suspected cases, and promptly notify relevant animal health authorities of suspected avian influenza. Should you or your staff members develop symptoms of influenza-like illnesses after managing H5N1 suspect or confirmed cases, notify your health professional immediately with mentioning of increased occupational risks.

Advice for clinicians

Clinicians assessing patients with severe respiratory illness or influenza-like illness should enquire about recent exposure to sick or dead birds, poultry or other susceptible animals, particularly in occupational or recreational settings. Where avian influenza is considered, clinicians should notify their local public health unit promptly and seek infectious diseases and laboratory advice regarding appropriate testing and infection prevention measures.

Advice for the public

Avoid, Record, Report. Anyone who observes sick or dead birds or other animals should report the event immediately by contacting the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Members of the public should avoid any interactions and handling of sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife. Should you develop influenza-like symptoms after unavoidable contacts with sick or dead wild animals, notify your health professional immediately.

One Health

The emergence of H5N1 continues to reinforce the importance of One Health, recognising the interconnected health of people, animals and the environment. The global spread of H5N1 among wild birds, poultry and an expanding range of mammalian species highlights the importance of continued surveillance, early recognition and strong collaboration between animal and human health sectors. Continued collaboration between veterinarians, wildlife professionals, clinicians, laboratories, public health and government agencies remain essential to ensuring Australia is prepared for future zoonotic disease threats.

As the foremost professional body in Australasia for infectious diseases and microbiology, ASID assumes a central role in shaping public health policy and fostering collaborative efforts within the medical community.

With our membership exceeding 1,300 professionals from diverse backgrounds, ASID is a critical multidisciplinary group within Australasia's healthcare landscape. Our membership includes infectious diseases physicians, clinical microbiologists, scientists, infection control practitioners, public health physicians, animal health experts, pharmacists, antibiotic stewards, academics, students and policy makers.

Together, ASID is committed to advancing postgraduate education, promoting research endeavours, and advocating for evidence-based public health policies that improve the prevention, diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.