H5 bird flu and human health
Bird flu mainly affects birds, but it can also infect some other animals. In rare cases, people can become infected.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand advises that chicken meat and eggs remain safe to eat when they are handled and cooked properly.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control recommends an annual seasonal influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and over. The vaccine does not protect against bird flu, but it can reduce the risk of becoming infected with both seasonal flu and bird flu viruses at the same time.
Staying safe
For most people, the risk of bird flu infection is low.
You do not need to avoid parks, beaches, schools, workplaces or other public places.
Normal day-to-day contact with birds is not considered a significant risk. Simply walking past a sick or dead bird, or bird droppings, without touching them does not put you at risk.
Living, working or spending time near birds is also not considered a significant risk.
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