Information for poultry and pet owners

Signs of H5 bird flu

Watch for signs of illness in poultry and pet birds, including:

• ruffled feathers, depression, closed eyes and discharge from the eyes.
• sudden drop in egg production
• lethargy or not eating and drinking
• swollen head or limbs
• bruising (purple) on comb, feet or skin
• breathing issues or runny nose and eyes, sneezing
• unexplained sudden death
• unusual head or neck posture
• can’t stand, walk, or properly.

Keeping your flock safe

Good biosecurity helps protect poultry and pet birds from H5 bird flu.

Get a property identification code (PIC)

A PIC helps authorities:

• trace where animals are kept and moved
• respond quickly to disease outbreaks
• notify property owners of potential biosecurity threats
• support compensation claims during a disease response.

Whether you keep livestock, poultry or pet birds, having a PIC is an important biosecurity measure.

Keep enclosures and equipment clean

Regular cleaning helps reduce disease risks.

You should:

• remove litter, sand and grit between poultry batches, or every few months for other birds
• clean floors, walls and wire mesh with soapy water
• disinfect facilities and equipment when needed
• regularly clean and disinfect feed and water containers
• avoid sharing equipment with other bird owners unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Limit contact with wild birds

Wild birds can spread disease to poultry and pet birds.

You should:

• prevent access to ponds, lakes and creeks where possible
• use netting to stop wild birds entering enclosures
• keep surrounding areas tidy to reduce shelter and feeding opportunities for wild birds.

Protect feed and water

Prevent feed and water from becoming contaminated by bird droppings or other animal waste.

You should:

• provide water from a chlorinated mains supply, a clean bore or another appropriately treated source
• store feed in secure containers with tightly fitting lids
• prevent wild birds and pest animals from accessing feed and water.

Practise good hygiene

When handling birds:

• wash your hands with soap and water before and after contact
• clean your footwear regularly
• wash clothing that has been worn around birds
• avoid wearing the same clothing or footwear around your flock after visiting another flock or bird event
• avoid handling other people's birds where possible.

If you attend bird shows:

• do not take birds that show signs of illness
• clean and disinfect cages, carriers and equipment before and after the event
• quarantine birds before returning them to your flock.

Keep a record of all bird movements onto and off your property.