If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them. If there are dead birds or other animals, take photos or a video.
Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
If there is a bird flu outbreak
Governments will provide information publicly if there is a bird flu outbreak.
Visit outbreak.gov.au for information on current responses to pests and diseases in Australia.
Commercial poultry producers and workers must use effective on-farm biosecurity and hygiene measures. This will protect their birds and themselves from disease.
What you need to know
Infectious diseases like bird flu can spread directly to poultry from wild birds. It can also spread via contaminated clothing, footwear, equipment or vehicles. Bird flu can spread between birds. It can also spread via contaminated poultry products, feed, equipment or other items. The virus can survive for long periods in droppings, respiratory secretions, water, feathers, eggs and meat.
Know the signs of bird flu
Signs of bird flu 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, uncoordination, inability to walk or stand
- unusual reduction in egg production.
Report sick or dead birds.
Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. You must immediately report it if you think one or more of your birds are infected. If you spot sick or dead birds keep your distance.
Call your local vet or the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
If bird flu is found
If H5 bird flu is detected in Australia, state and territory governments will provide information specific to your farm.
Visit outbreak.gov.au for information on current responses to pests and diseases in Australia.
Prepare your biosecurity plan
Commercial poultry producers and workers must use effective on-farm biosecurity and hygiene measures. This will protect their birds and themselves from disease.
Experience from overseas shows that strong biosecurity is the most effective way to prevent the spread of bird flu.
Everyday actions outlined in your biosecurity plan will reduce the risk of diseases entering a farm. This is the most important step you can take to protect your birds and your business. Actions outlined in the plan will reduce the risk of bird flu and other diseases coming onto your farm.
See our online resource links below to help you create a biosecurity plan.
Resources
Find out more on how to manage the biosecurity risks for commercial poultry.
Biosecurity manuals
- National Farm Biosecurity Manual - Poultry Production
- National Water Biosecurity Manual - Poultry Production
- Chickens – Farm Biosecurity
Industry resources
- Egg Farmers of Australia
- Australian Chicken Meat Federation
- Australian Chicken Growers Council
- Planning and environment guideline for establishing meat chicken farms
- Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry
Watch
What you need to know
If you notice any unusual signs of disease in your herd or on your farm, including in wild birds, record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Maintaining strong farm biosecurity practices is critical to protecting your animals.
Australia has well-established, nationally agreed arrangements in place to respond to emergency animal diseases like H5 bird flu.
Prepare your biosecurity plan
Bird flu mainly affects birds but can sometimes infect other animals.
Experience from overseas shows that strong biosecurity is the most effective way to prevent the spread of bird flu. Good biosecurity reduces the risk of disease entering and spreading on your property. Livestock producers are encouraged to use sound biosecurity practices and ensure their farm biosecurity plans are current.
You should:
- quarantine new stock before entering the herd,
- minimise contact between livestock and wild birds where possible
- limit visitors to your property
- ensure vehicles, equipment and footwear are clean and disinfected
Reducing the attractiveness of your property to wild birds is important. This may include:
- covering or managing feed and water sources
- using netting where appropriate
- removing access to standing water near areas where livestock reside
Livestock producers should report any unusual signs of disease in their animals, including drops in production, to their veterinarian or the 24/7 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Members of the public and farmers are also encouraged to report multiple sick or dead wild birds via the same hotline.
Current risk to livestock
An independent risk assessment has found that if H5 bird flu establishes in wild birds:
- the risk to dairy and pork industries is estimated to be low
- the risk to beef cattle, sheep and goats is estimated to be negligible.
Preparedness planning and biosecurity remain essential to minimise any potential impacts.
Resources
Find out more on how to manage farm biosecurity risks.
Industry resources
Risk assessment of H5 bird flu in Australian dairy cattle and other livestock
Watch
Webinar: Preparing for H5 avian influenza (bird flu)
Dairy Australia H5 bird flu risks to Australian dairy cattle