Avian Influenza Specific Information

All Poultry and Bird Keepers

Assistance is sought from poultry producers and bird keepers in Australia to be alert and to report any unusual signs of disease immediately to local vets, agricultural agencies or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The quicker authorities are alerted to an outbreak of avian influenza, the faster action can be taken to stop its spread and to eradicate it.

Although commercial poultry farmers have well-developed biosecurity systems that have been strengthened in recent years, all bird keepers and poultry producers, particularly backyard enterprises, should have strict biosecurty measures in place.

What is biosecurity and what do I need to do as a bird owner?

‘Biosecurity’ is protecting the economy, environment and people’s health from pests and disease. It includes trying to prevent new pests and diseases from arriving, and helping to control outbreaks when they do occur.

See what you need to do to prevent pest and disease outbreaks in your birds by reading the Information for Bird Owners on the DAFF website or contact the Department of Primary Industries or Agriculture in your state or territory.

Additional Resources

Related industry websites:

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Recreational Shooters

Duck shooters have a significant role in reporting anything unusual such as large numbers of dead birds. This will ensure authorities can contain and eradicate the disease as quickly as possible.

As a precaution, it is important when handling and dressing birds that thorough hygiene practices are adopted. This includes using gloves, a face mask and also disinfecting hands, clothing and any equipment that comes into contact with birds.

It should also be noted that proper cooking of poultry will kill the disease but freezing will not. The disease can survive in water for many days, if not weeks, depending on temperature.

Read more about avian influenza and what you can do as a recreational shooter:

Fact Sheet Word [863Kb]
News Article Word [31Kb]

Australian Wildlife Health Network

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Cat and Dog Owners

Go to the information on this website about the susceptibility of cats and dogs.

Travellers

Australians travelling overseas are encouraged to avoid contact with live domestic birds (such as chickens, ducks and geese) on farms and in market places and avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Practise good hygiene at all times. While travelling, it is suggested that you regularly check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Bulletin and country-specific travel advice for information about any change to the current situation and whether additional precautions are recommended.

Additional public health information about avian influenza is available on the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) website. DoHA also operate a hotline for people needing further information on the human health apsects of avian influenza - Freecall 1800 004 599 (Mon - Fri | 8:30am - 5pm).

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Non-English Speakers Non English speakers

Call 131 450 for the national Translating and Interpreting Service for non-english speakers or contact your embassy or representative in Australia.