Australians issued new 'health risks' travel warning for Europe, Asia and the Americas

The government's Smartraveller website has issued a notice of increased health risks in Europe, North and South America, and Asia.

Travellers have been advised to remain vigilant over outbreaks of avian influenza. Source: AAP / James Ross

Key Points

• Smartraveller has issued a warning over outbreaks of several strains of avian influenza, also known as bird flu.
• People visiting Europe, North and South America, and Asia are advised to be aware of health risks.
• Avian influenza mainly affects birds, and infection in humans is rare.

The Australian government is warning travellers to Europe, North and South America and Asia about outbreaks of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website, while human infection is rare, travellers should be aware of "increased health risks" when visiting impacted countries.

There have been several strains of avian influenza circulating in recent months, including the highly infectious H5N1 strain.

Three separate strains of bird flu have been detected across poultry farms in Australia this year, prompting mass culls and egg shortages in parts of the country.

What is the travel advice for bird flu?

There is no vaccine available for avian influenza, but according to Smartraveller, getting the annual influenza vaccine can help reduce the threat of the virus to humans.

Travellers are advised to minimise contact with animals in affected areas, avoid poultry farms and live bird 'wet' markets, and wash hands often and thoroughly.

Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat, but they must be cooked thoroughly and safe food handling practices must be followed.

Several strains of bird flu have had outbreaks in recent months. Source: Getty / Peter Garrard Beck

Travellers are advised to research the health risks in any destination and ensure influenza vaccines are up to date before travel.

Anybody with symptoms is advised to see a doctor.

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza is an infectious disease caused by influenza A viruses, similar to the virus that causes seasonal influenza in humans.

As the name suggests, the viruses mainly affect birds but can infect other animals. It rarely spreads to humans, but it is possible.

Symptoms can include eye irritation, fever, sore throat or cough, runny or blocked nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath and pneumonia.

Less common symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures.

Some people may not show any symptoms.