H5 bird flu prevention for bird owners, exhibitors and bird show organisers

Bird owners, exhibitors and bird show organisers can take steps to prevent the spread of H5 bird flu (avian influenza) in Queensland.

Know the signs

H5 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
lethargic, ruffled feathers
reduced appetite
lack of coordination - inability to stand, walk or fly
diarrhoea
difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
swelling of head, neck, eyes, wattle and comb
purple discolouration to wattles, combs and legs
reduced egg production, or abnormal eggs.

Report sick or dead birds

If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, report immediately.

H5 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

Bird flu spreads between animals via:

droppings and respiratory secretions of infected birds
contaminated environments, equipment, vehicles, feed, footwear and clothing.

Bird flu can persist in the environment for extended periods, in certain conditions.

Bird flu can spread from wild birds to kept birds and other 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 to prevent disease.

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

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 pens, aviaries, feed and water containers and equipment clean.
Keep surrounding areas clean and well maintained, to reduce potential shelter and nesting sites for wild birds.
Wash your hands before and after handling birds and equipment.
Change into clean footwear before entering pens and aviaries, to stop the potential transfer of disease from other locations.

Record and report

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

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

Queensland Health advises that the current risk of H5 bird flu to people in Queensland is low. Human infections are rare. Overseas, people have been infected with H5 bird flu after close contact with infected birds, animals or contaminated environments.

Do not touch dead wildlife, feathers, droppings, fluids, or anything the animal may have contacted 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, phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).