We have partnered with the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) to update the public health guidance for bird flu.
While there are no human cases of bird flu in Australia, we must be prepared to respond quickly if the situation changes.
CDNA’s Series of National Guidelines provide consistent advice to PHUs across Australia. The guidelines help the health units to respond to notifiable diseases using best practice.
What’s in the guidelines, and who should read them?
The Avian influenza in humans – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units are specifically for the use of PHUs in state and territory health departments.
They give consistent advice to guide public health responses, including on:
- reporting obligations
- contact tracing and case management
- how the virus is transmitted
- who may be at greater risk of severe illness
- testing methodologies.
PHUs should refer to the guidelines when responding to:
- human cases of bird flu
- those who have been exposed to the virus.
This will help reduce the public health risk of the disease to the Australian population.
Read more information on bird flu.