H5 bird flu: what project sites need to do
H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) was first detected in Australian wildlife in June 2026 and has since been confirmed in wild birds and some mammals in several states. The Australian Government publishes the current count of confirmed events on its national dashboard. This guide sets out what we ask of clients, site managers and crews, and how we build H5 controls into site hygiene.
If you find a sick or dead animal
Do not touch it, move it or let anyone else handle it. That includes moving a carcass out of the works path or collecting it for identification. Handling sick or dead wildlife needs trained people with the right protective equipment and, in most states, the agreement of the lead biosecurity agency.
- Stop work in the immediate area and keep people, pets and machinery away
- Note the location, the number of animals and the time, and take photos from a distance
- Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888
- Tell your site supervisor and environmental lead so the area can be marked off
- Follow the instructions of the state biosecurity agency before work resumes
Why site hygiene matters
The virus can survive in droppings, feathers, carcasses, mud and water. Boots, tyres, buckets and machinery that pass through a contaminated area can carry it to the next waterway, farm or poultry operation. Most of the risk on a project site comes from people and equipment moving, so that is where controls work best.
Controls we put in place
Our pathogen hygiene service adds H5 controls to the site's existing biosecurity procedures. The exact steps depend on the site, the work and the agency advice that applies at the time.
- Toolbox talks so every worker knows what to look for and who to call
- Marked exclusion areas around any reported animal until the agency gives the all clear
- Footwear and equipment cleaning and disinfection points at access points near waterbodies and bird roosts
- Clean-down checks for vehicles and plant leaving high-risk areas, with a record for each item
- A register of reports, actions and hygiene checks for your environmental file
Official sources
Advice changes as the situation develops. Check these sources for the current position and the agency leading the response in your state.
- Australian Government H5 bird flu information: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu
- Confirmed events in wildlife: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data
- Wildlife Health Australia incident updates: https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/News-Room/News-Media-Releases/incident-h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-h5-bird-flu-in-wildlife-australia-ongoing
- Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline: 1800 675 888
Downloads
Print or share these on site. All PDFs sourced from official Australian Government material.
- Keep watch for bird flu: workplace poster — Print-ready A3 poster for site sheds, depots and staff areas. (Australian Government, DAFF)
- Stay safe from bird flu: fact sheet — Personal safety and health information for anyone who may come across sick or dead animals. (Australian Government, DAFF)
- H5 bird flu and nature: public information poster — What to do if you find a sick or dead animal. (Australian Government, DAFF)
Frequently asked questions
Can our own staff move a dead bird off the works area?
No. Keep everyone clear and report it. Moving a carcass spreads contamination and puts the person handling it at risk.
Do we have to stop the whole site?
Usually not. Work stops in the immediate area while the report is made and the agency gives advice. The rest of the site can often continue with hygiene controls in place.