Last update for this post: 24/12/2024 (as of this update, H5N1 is not yet in Australia)
What is avian influenza?
The avian influenza viruses (AIVs) belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae and are highly contagious diseases of birds. There are several viruses that belong to this group and are classified as high pathogenic (HPAI) or low pathogenic (LPAI) based on their ability to cause disease in birds. Viruses that at LPAI may cause minimal disease, while HPAI strains can cause widespread sudden death across several species. Chickens are highly susceptible to AI viruses.
Presently there has been a worldwide outbreak of a HPAI referred to as H5N1, this has been spreading since 2021 and has reached every continent except Australia. Scientists monitoring the disease, believe it is only a matter to time till the virus reaches Australian shores.
What are the natural hosts of AI?
AIVs infect 100’s of species of birds. Water birds act as a reservoir of the virus. Some species, especially ducks can carry these viruses without obvious symptoms. AIVs spread through wild waterfowl other birds as they congregate prior to their annual migration. The virus then travels from place to place as a result of the movement of these birds.
Does AI affect other species?
LPAI circulates naturally in wild birds and spills over into atypical hosts. Of most concern is spill into domestic and farmed poultry species. The present H5N1 strain is able to spread into species other than birds. It has been found in farmed and wild mammals and has caused sickness in people also. Dairy cattle have been affected, many seals and other sea living mammals have been severely affected, causing death.
How is AI transmitted?
Infected birds spread the virus through oral and faecal secretions. This can occur from direct contact with the infected bird or feed, water, equipment etc that may have come in contact with these secretions.
What are the symptoms of AI in birds?
While LPAI can be asymptomatic or mild, commonly mild respiratory disease, fluffed feathers, reduced egg laying and low death rates. HPAI in poultry include sudden death, severe depression, anorexia, neurological disease (twisted neck, swimming in circles, tremors, appearing uncoordinated), corneal oedema, decreased egg production, irregular eggs, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, diarrhoea and swelling (head, comb, eyelids, wattles, legs) with purple discolouration.
Symptoms in parrots and non-poultry may be similar, with respiratory signs and gastrointestinal signs, green diarrhoea, difficulty breathing and sudden death.
What preventive measures can be taken for backyard flocks?
Some simple principles should be followed for backyard poultry to help protect them from AI.
These may include:
Quarantine of newly acquired birds, ideally this means no contact of birds or shared equipment (including care with cleanliness going to and from these birds) for a minimum of 6 weeks ideally.
Isolated any sick birds and seek veterinary care and testing.
Clean and disinfect enclosures and equipment regularly, agents such as F10 is suitable.
Limit visitors, people can carry the disease on their clothing.
Prevent movement of birds – avoid moving birds on and off the property.
Wash hands before and after contact with poultry.
Use foot bath or change shoes going in and out of the poultry area.
Wear protective clothing or change cloths when working with birds.
Avoid contact with other animals – especially wild waterfowl.
Avoid going places where birds are mixing, this may include feed stores.
Avoid visiting and handling other flocks.
Prevent other animals from entering the coup and enclosures, keep wild birds away.
Change water regularly and remove standing water.
Reduce food sources that would attract other birds and animals, remove excess food and feed within shelters.
Reduce faecal contamination from wild birds and other animals.
Keep flocks confined.
What should you do it you suspect AI in your bird?
Call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline 1800 675 888
You should not move your bird, unless advised to.
Follow all instructions given from the disease hotline.
Call vet clinic ahead of bring the pet bird in for advice.
What should you do if you suspect AI in wild bird you come across.
Call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline 1800 675 888
If you find a group of dead or sick wild birds, do not approach them, keep clear and call the hotline.
Any secretions (oral or droppings etc) may contain virus so keep clear, do not touch or move the birds as this may increase the chances of you catching the virus or spreading the virus further.
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