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Pandemic influenza

You are here: Pandemic influenza > Guidelines and Advice > For travellers

For travellers

A number of countries in Asia and Europe have, or are experiencing outbreaks of, avian influenza (bird flu), affecting mainly domestic poultry (chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys). Many different wild bird species have also been affected.

The virus responsible for the current outbreak is H5N1 - a type of influenza not normally associated with human disease. It is affecting or known to have affected poultry in Asia and Europe. Officials in many affected countries have been culling flocks of chickens and/or vaccinating well birds to try to contain the virus. Other parts of the world may become affected in the future.

Small numbers of people in some of these countries have become infected with the H5N1 virus, causing serious illness and/or death. These people have been infected through contact with infected birds. It is possible that there have been rare instances of limited human to human transmission in very unusual circumstances.

A number of factors including the rapid spread of the illness in poultry flocks, difficulties with surveillance and reporting systems and the trade in poultry and fighting birds between farms, breeders and countries, suggest that all travellers to these affected countries should be aware of the outbreaks and the following advice.

Travelling from New Zealand

Travelling/Returning to New Zealand

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Travelling from New Zealand

Is it safe to travel to Asia and the parts of Europe with confirmed avian influenza cases?

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not at present recommend any restrictions on travel to any country currently experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection in poultry flocks, including countries which have also reported cases in humans.

At this time, WHO recommends that travellers to areas experiencing outbreaks of this disease in poultry should avoid contact with live animal markets and poultry farms.

Travellers should also avoid contact with surfaces which may be contaminated with chicken droppings or secretions. Large amounts of the virus are known to be excreted in the droppings and respiratory secretions from infected birds.

What precautions should I take if I am travelling to these countries?

People travelling to countries where there is ongoing transmission of avian influenza in bird populations are strongly advised to ensure that, if they haven't already had a vaccination against seasonal influenza, they have one at least two weeks before their travel.

This will not protect against avian influenza but will reduce the chance of co-infection with both seasonal influenza and "bird flu".

A continually updated list of countries affected by the H5N1 virus in bird populations is available from the World Organisation for Animal Health website.

This is recommended by the WHO and the advice is endorsed by the Ministry of Health.

Before any international travel

See your doctor and possibly your dentist at least 4–6 weeks before travel to get the appropriate advice.This may lead to additional shots or medicines.

Check your health insurance plan or get additional insurance to cover you if you become sick or have an accident while you are outside New Zealand. You should also consider the possibility of cover in case you need medical evacuation.

Always educate yourself and others who may be travelling with you about any disease risks in areas you plan to visit (for information about H5N1, see this website for more information: www.moh.govt.nz/pandemicinfluenza)

Assemble a travel health kit containing basic first aid and medical supplies. Get the right advice about this from your doctor or health-care provider.

Identify health-care resources in the countries you plan to visit in advance of your trip.

During international travel

Avoid all direct contact with poultry, including touching well-appearing, sick, or dead chickens and ducks. Avoid places such as poultry farms and bird markets where live poultry are raised or kept, and avoid handling surfaces contaminated with poultry droppings or secretions.

As with other infectious illnesses, one of the most important preventive practices is careful and frequent handwashing. Cleaning your hands often, using either soap and water or waterless alcohol-based hand rubs, removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease transmission.

Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat; therefore, as a precaution, all foods from poultry, including eggs and poultry blood, should be thoroughly cooked.

This advice is also relevant for New Zealanders living long-term in countries affected by avian influenza. These people may also want to consult their local doctor for further advice.

Travelling/Returning to New Zealand
After international travel

Monitor your health for 10 days
If you become ill with fever, difficulty breathing, cough, or any illness during this period, consult a health-care provider. Before you visit, telephone to tell the provider about your symptoms and recent travel so that he or she can be aware you have travelled to an area reporting avian influenza.

Waiting room poster: Pandemic influenza travel health
A poster advising respiratory health awareness following international travel

Border leaflet: Pandemic influenza information for people arriving in New Zealand
This leaflet has been prepared for distribution at borders if required.

More information
Related links

Countries where H5N1 is affecting birds - World Organisation for Animal Health site

H5N1 infections in humans - World Health Organization site

Travel advice from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Page last reviewed: October 2007