Read the latest information on
Foot-and-mouth disease
Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease of birds, also known as bird flu. AI viruses can be classed into two groups based on their level of pathogenicity (ability to cause disease). Low pathogenic (LPAI) strains cause milder disease and are commonly found circulating among wild bird populations, including in Australia. Waterfowl, such as swans and ducks, can be carriers for LPAI without showing any clinical signs. Highly pathogenic strains (HPAI) can cause severe disease with higher mortality rates. All bird species are thought to be susceptible to AI, including domestic species of poultry and wild birds.
There have been multiple outbreaks of HPAI in recent years across the globe, with concern growing around the highly pathogenic H5Nx ‘family’ of subtypes. While the subtypes of this virus have never been detected in Australia, it has progressively become widespread across the Northern Hemisphere having a devastating impact on both farmed and wild bird populations and is proving difficult to eradicate using conventional control methods. There have also been reported cases of it infecting mammals, with deaths observed in wild seals, foxes, and farmed minks.
Waterfowl act as a natural reservoir for AI viruses, with close contact between wild waterfowl and susceptible domestic flocks being the most likely pathway of introduction. The virus can be spread by direct contact with infected animals and live bird movements, as well as through contact with contaminated faeces, equipment, bedding, vehicles and people. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has described the risk of HPAI viruses arriving here as being low, mostly due to the fact that Australia is not on a migratory pathway for ducks and geese from the northern hemisphere where outbreaks are occurring. Surveillance of wild bird populations is conducted Australia wide and overseen by the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird (NAIWB) Steering Group.
Importantly, new HPAI strains can evolve from existing LPAI, which can happen without the need for an exotic virus to arrive in Australia. This has caused all Australian HPAI outbreaks to date, including the most recent 2020 outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N7 in Victoria. This highlights the importance of having good biosecurity practices to prevent contact between poultry and wild birds.
Vigilance is key in preventing and quickly responding to any future outbreaks of AI. All poultry owners should be following biosecurity practices on a daily basis, regardless of the number of birds kept on the property. Some basic biosecurity measures include:
If you suspect your birds are unwell, especially if you observe sudden deaths and/or a rapid drop in egg production, you should immediately report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. You can also help to protect Australia’s poultry industries and wildlife by reporting any abnormal wild bird deaths in public spaces, while taking special care not to come into direct contact with bird carcases.
