H5 bird flu confirmed in Western Australia

What to do

• Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment. Do not touch or collect sick or dead wild birds or wildlife.
• Record what you see. If safe, record information on the number of dead birds/animals, species, location, date and time.
• Report sick or dead wild birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24/7) or 13 25 23.

Actions for bird and livestock owners

Early detection of H5 bird flu is paramount. Unusual signs and mass deaths of livestock or wildlife should be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24/7) or 13 25 23.

Signs of bird flu:

• 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.

Poultry farmers should:

• restrict contact between kept birds and wild birds
• provide feed and water in the poultry shed or use equipment that restricts wild bird access
• keep sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean
• limit any visitors to birds and check if essential visitors have recently visited other premises where poultry are kept
• always practice good hygiene - wash hands before and after handling birds and eggs
• change into clean footwear before entering poultry houses or hen facilities, to stop the potential transfer of disease from outside
• keep good records of bird movements or sales
• record and report unusual signs of disease or increased deaths in birds.

The risk of H5 bird flu to dairy cattle in Australia is low and to date has only been detected in America. However, dairy farmers should review their biosecurity plans.

Australia and Queensland have been preparing for this scenario for several years.

More information

For more information visit birdflu.gov.au.