Last month, Avian influenza (H7N8) was detected in a number of birds at three Sydney poultry farms. The H7N8 strain has also been found in two commercial farms in Canberra (ACT) in June.
A quarantine order and containment of surrounding areas has been established by the government for the affected Greater Sydney Basin area and Canberra zones.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Whilst there are no known cases in the Southern Highlands area it is important that the public follow instructions to help mitigate spread of this disease and keep safe. ‘Bird flu’ can move easily and quickly due to the migratory nature of birds.
Never move a bird out of its area - that is, do not bring any birds into the Southern Highlands from the Canberra or Greater Sydney area, especially wildlife.
Avian influenza can only be confirmed through laboratory testing of samples collected by a veterinarian or government animal health officer.
REPORT SIGHTINGS:
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease which means it must be reported to biosecurity authorities.
Immediately report any sick or dead birds.
- For native birds only, call WIRES on ph.1300 094 737 - they will triage and give further instructions.
- All sick or dead birds, call Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on ph.1800 675 888 (NSW Govt Disease Control)
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease which means it MUST be reported to bio-security authorities.
Please call our vet hospital first before presenting with a sick or injured bird. Our vet hospital must follow strict biosecurity protocols to ensure the safety of other animals in the hospital and our staff, as well as mitigating risks of HPAI and managing the spread of HPAI.
Please consider wearing gloves and a face mask if you do handle or rescue any injured or sick birds, to prevent the spread of the disease.
FACTS:
- Avian influenza is a notifiable, highly contagious viral disease, mostly affecting birds. It is zoonotic and can be transmitted to humans in rare cases.
- H7N8 strain in NSW/ACT is a different strain of Avian influenza outbreak in Victoria (H5N1).
- Avian influenza can spread rapidly through close contact between birds, bird faeces, movements of contaminated people, equipment, water, feed, bedding and vehicles.
- Avian influenza are classified either low or high pathogenicity. Detection in Australia is of high pathogenicity avian flu (HPAI) in 8 Victorian poultry farms, 2 in New South Wales and one in the ACT. All infected premises across Victoria, NSW and the ACT have been depopulated.
- HPAI or ‘bird flu’, is a viral disease of birds spreading globally. It causes widespread losses of poultry and wild birds, with spillover infections in mammals.
- The current strains of avian influenza in Australia do not appear to transmit easily between humans.
DISEASE SIGNS IN BIRDS:
Signs of disease usually appear in several or all birds in a flock, including:
- sudden death
- lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
- droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
- head or limb swelling
- bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
- respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
- diarrhoea
- unusual head or neck posture, incoordination, inability to walk or stand
- unusual reduction in egg production.
ZOONOSIS:
Rarely, ‘Bird Flu’ can pass to humans. This requires a medical diagnosis. Symptoms begin within a week and can seem like the common flu. Cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and shortness of breath may occur. If you have been exposed suspected avian influenza case, please follow the guidelines from NSW Health: Call your GP and mention exposure & symptoms. Isolate yourself from others. Practice good hygiene. Report your illness to the local Public Health Unit (ph. 1300 066 055).
For more information on the Avian Influenza outbreak you can read more on The Australian Government’s ‘OUTBREAK’ page at
https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/avian-influenza
- As well as the NSW Dept of Primary Industries page on the current Avian Influenza outbreaks;
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/poultry-and-birds/health-disease/avian-influenza
Biosecurity practices on your property - for Bird Owners
1. Keep your equipment and poultry yard or aviary clean.
- Remove litter, sand and grit from the aviary between batches of birds, and every few months for resident birds.
- Thoroughly clean concrete floors, walls and aviary wire with soapy water, and then apply a disinfectant.
- Clean and disinfect feed and water containers regularly.
- Don’t share equipment with other birdkeepers unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
2. Avoid contact between your birds and wild birds.
- Prevent contact with wild birds by restricting access to open ponds, lakes and creeks. Protective netting or keeping them housed can help prevent wild birds from mingling with yours.
- Clean up surrounding areas to reduce shelter and hiding places for wild birds.
3. Don’t let feed and water become contaminated by faeces or other animal waste.
- Ensure water supplied to birds is from a chlorinated mains water supply, a clean bore, or treated appropriately if these sources aren’t available (also see the Water Biosecurity Manual).
- Don’t allow wild birds or pest animals to contaminate your birds’ feed. Store it in a container with a secure lid.
4. Practice good hygiene when handling birds including at bird shows.
- Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap before and after handling birds.
- Clean your footwear and wash clothing regularly and avoid using the same clothing and footwear around your own birds if you have visited other flocks or events such as shows.
- Do not take any birds to a show if there are signs of illness in your flock.
- All bird equipment and permanent carrying containers should be cleaned and disinfected before and after a show.
- At the show, avoid handling birds other than your own, if possible.
- At home, show birds should always undergo a period of quarantine before returning to the flock.
- Keep a register of all bird movements in and out of your premises.
For more information, refer to the following resources:
Video on Exhibition Bird Biosecurity
The National Biosecurity Manual – Exhibition Poultry.
Club logbook
Logbook for individuals
These resources can be downloaded for free from farmbiosecurity.com.au. The site also has more detailed information on preventing disease in chickens, ducks and other species.
Limit visitors’ access to your birds.
- Restrict access to bird areas.
- Ask visitors to wash hands, practice good hygiene, put on clean protective clothing and use footbaths containing appropriate disinfectants at the entrance to bird areas or sheds.
- Keep a record of visitors.
Quarantine new birds.
- Separate and monitor new birds for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing flock.
- Always source birds from a reputable producer or breeder whose bird health status is known.
- Always buy healthy birds and avoid buying them from markets.
- Feed and clean quarantined birds after you have tended to other birds.
You must immediately report any sick or dead birds.
- For native birds only, call WIRES on ph.1300 094 737 - they will triage and give further instructions.
- All sick or dead birds, call Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on ph.1800 675 888 (NSW Govt Disease Control)
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease which means it MUST be reported to bio-security authorities.
Your local GP and NSW HEALTH if you are experiencing symptoms after exposure: your local Public Health Unit ph. 1300 066 055.