Much has been written about the risk of avian influenza exposure to humans.  It is currently a risk for wild migratory birds, poultry, domesticated dairy cattle in some areas and individuals directly involved in these industries.

Thirty-six human cases of A (H5N1) have been reported since 2021 with several cattle industry workers infected in the United States in 2024.  Workers in “at risk” industries are now being monitored.  The number of cases is still low, and we wait on longitudinal studies to see whether workers are at significant risk.

Has anything changed for us to be more concerned about the individual risk of avian influenza exposure as a traveller and at a community level?

An updated joint statement on recent Avian Influenza activity was released in August.

Two significant questions were asked.

1. What is the global public health risk of additional human cases of infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses?
2. What is the likelihood of human-human transmission of avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses?

According to the statement from the three organisations (FAO, WHO and WOAH), the global public health risk is low.  They expect the number of human cases to grow and recommend close monitoring of industries where the risk of transmission has been identified. The statement also confirmed there has been no human-to-human transmission despite the human cases.

Human to human transmission was considered unlikely given the characteristics of the virus at this time.  The current viruses being detected in human cases “largely retain genomic and biological characteristics of avian influenza viruses and remain well adapted to spread among birds”.

This means there must be a change in the structure of these viruses for them to easily spread from human to human. The need for international surveillance becomes very important.

The full joint statement is available at WHO.

Advice for Australian Travellers

• Avoid or reduce exposure to areas with live poultry, such as live animal markets and poultry farms. Large amounts of the virus are excreted in the droppings from infected birds. Ducks can excrete large amounts of H5N1 but appear quite well.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you develop severe respiratory symptoms. The use of antiviral medications within 48hrs of exposure can reduce the illness duration and severity.
• Stay informed - the situation regarding Avian flu may change quickly.

What about food safety?

Influenza viruses are killed by adequate heat.

The importance of good hygiene practices during handling of poultry products, including hand washing, prevention of cross-contamination and thorough cooking (70°C) cannot be over emphasised.

Strictly observe the rules of eating and drinking safely:

• Wash your hands often using either soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitisers. This removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease transmission.
• Consume only well-cooked food. Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat; therefore, as a precaution, poultry food including eggs should be thoroughly cooked. This will also reduce your chance of contracting other serious bacterial illnesses such as salmonella and campylobacter.
• Consume only pasteurised dairy products.

The risk of Avian Influenza in travellers remains very low.