H5 bird flu prevention for bird owners and exhibitors

Bird owners, exhibitors and poultry farmers can take steps to prevent the spread of bird flu in Queensland.

Know the signs

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a viral disease that mainly affects birds. It can also affect other animals and, on rare occasions humans.

Signs of bird flu include:

  • sudden death
  • lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
  • twisted necks or other unusual posture
  • inability to stand or fly
  • diarrhoea
  • difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
  • swelling around the head, neck and eyes
  • cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes.

Report sick or dead birds

If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, report immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Bird flu is a nationally notifiable animal disease.

Anyone who suspects an animal might be infected with bird flu has a legal responsibility to report it as soon as possible.

Prevent the spread of disease

Follow the advice in the bird flu toolkit for people who work with birds.

Bird flu spreads between animals via:

  • droppings and respiratory secretions of birds
  • contaminated environments, equipment, eggs, feed, footwear and clothing.

Bird flu can persist in the environment for extended periods.

Bird flu can spread from wild birds to kept birds and animals, particularly those that prey or scavenge on birds. While the movement of wild birds can’t be controlled, biosecurity measures are the best way of preventing disease.

Minimise contact with wild birds

  • Quarantine new birds for at least 1 month before introducing them to the resident flock.
  • Prevent contact between kept birds and wild birds, including their feed and water.
  • Limit any visitors to birds
  • Check if essential visitors have recently visited other premises where birds are kept.

Practice good hygiene

  • Keep sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean.
  • Wash your hands before and after handling birds, eggs and equipment.
  • Change into clean footwear before entering poultry sheds, to stop the potential transfer of disease from outside.

Record and report

  • Keep accurate records of bird movements or sales.
  • Record and report unusual signs of disease or increased deaths in birds.

Poultry farmers

Events, bird shows and exhibitions

Any gathering of birds carries the risk of spreading disease, particularly where there is contact between birds from different flocks.

Follow the national biosecurity guidelines for exhibition poultry.

Exhibitors

  • Do not take any birds to a show if there are signs of illness in your flock.
  • Avoid handling birds other than your own.
  • If you do have to touch other birds, thoroughly wash and disinfect your hands between birds.
  • Do not share equipment between birds from different sources unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
  • Clean and disinfect all equipment, cages and containers before and after a show.
  • Ensure all birds returning home undergo a period of quarantine before re-introduction to the flock.
  • Discard any leftover feed, used floor coverings (e.g. sawdust, straw) or other material at the end of the show in a way that avoids contact with other birds (kept or wild).

Bird show organisers

  • Have a biosecurity management plan in place.
  • Have a veterinarian in attendance or contactable.
  • Ensure any bird that becomes sick at an event is isolated and is assessed by a veterinarian.
  • Separate different species of birds, where possible.
  • Waterfowl should not be displayed near pigeons, poultry or other birds.
  • Ensure judges thoroughly wash and disinfect their hands between handling birds.
  • Ensure show birds cannot come into contact with wild birds, and wild birds cannot access feed and water.

Protect human health

H5 bird flu is a disease that mainly affects birds, however on rare occasions it can spread to humans after close contact with infected birds, animals or contaminated environments.

Do not touch dead wildlife, feathers, droppings, fluids, or anything the animal may have touched with your bare skin.

If contact occurs, wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. Use hand sanitiser or cleansing wipes (baby wipes) if soap and water are not available.

If someone has influenza-like symptoms after contact with infected birds, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Stay informed