H5N1 Avian Influenza

Good biosecurity is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of disease, including bird flu, affecting your birds. Whether you run a commercial operation or keep a small backyard flock, simple biosecurity steps can make a big difference.

• Minimise contact between your birds and wild birds wherever possible.
• Feed and water birds inside the poultry shed, or use equipment that prevents wild birds from contaminating food and water.
• Keep sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean and well maintained.
• Source birds only from reputable suppliers, and quarantine any new birds before adding them to your flock.
• Limit visitors to your birds, and confirm that any essential visitors have not recently been on other poultry premises.
• Practice strict hygiene when attending bird shows or poultry auctions.
• Wash your hands before and after handling birds or eggs.
• Change into clean footwear before entering poultry houses or hen sheds to avoid bringing disease in from outside.
• Keep accurate records of bird movements, purchases and sales.
• Watch for unusual illness, abnormal behaviour or unexplained deaths, and report anything suspicious promptly.

If you notice signs of disease, unusual behaviour or unexpected deaths in your birds, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, or speak with your veterinarian or the Local Land Services District Vet on 1300 295 799.

Useful Links:

https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity/avian-influenza

https://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/avian-influenza

https://www.birdflutracker.org