This page provides information for backyard chicken owners, pet bird owners, aviary bird keepers and other people who keep captive birds.
If you operate a commercial poultry or egg business, see For poultry and egg producers
If your school keeps birds see Education NSW Avian influenza - school advice
Understand the risk of H5 bird blu
H5 bird flu is a serious strain of H5N1 avian influenza that spreads easily and can cause severe illness or death in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.
High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in wild birds in Australia and has caused significant impacts overseas, including deaths in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.
Bird owners and keepers can help reduce the risk of spread by remaining alert and following good biosecurity practices.
Early detection and reporting are essential to reduce the potential impact of this disease.
Know the signs of bird flu in captive birds
Watch for signs of illness such as sudden death, breathing problems, swelling or changes in behaviour.
Signs may include:
- sudden death without obvious signs of illness
- lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
- droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
- respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing
- swelling around the head and neck
- incoordination or inability to walk or stand
- watery or green diarrhoea
- purple discolouration or bruising of wattles, combs and legs
- sudden decreases in egg production.
Not all birds will show the same signs. Any unusual illness, unexplained deaths or sudden changes in behaviour should be investigated.
Also see the downloadable H5 bird flu information for backyard chicken and bird keepers:
Download factsheet (PDF 938.45KB)
Report suspected bird flu immediately
If you suspect H5 bird flu:
- Avoid contact
- Record what you see
- Report it immediately using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
H5 bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. Reporting concerns early helps protect your birds, other bird keepers and native wildlife.
Understand how bird flu spreads
Bird flu can spread through:
- direct contact between infected and healthy birds
- contact with contaminated feed, water, equipment or enclosures
- faeces, saliva and other secretions from infected birds
- people, footwear and clothing carrying the virus between locations
- contact with infected wild birds.
Wild birds may carry the virus without showing signs of illness.
Protect your birds with good biosecurity
Good biosecurity can help protect your birds from bird flu and other diseases.
Reduce contact with wild birds
- Keep birds enclosed where practical
- Use netting or other barriers to prevent contact with wild birds
- Provide food and water in areas protected from wild birds
- Keep birds away from natural water sources where possible.
Maintain clean bird areas
- Clean cages, aviaries and equipment regularly
- Disinfect footwear, equipment and enclosures where appropriate
- Implement effective pest control
- Remove wild bird droppings and other contamination safely.
Introduce new birds safely
- Buy birds from reputable suppliers
- Isolate new birds before introducing them to existing birds
- Monitor new birds closely for signs of illness.
Manage bird movements and events
- Avoid direct contact with birds from other collections
- Minimise unnecessary movement of birds
- Take extra care when attending bird shows, markets and events
- Clean cages, carriers and equipment after events.
Practise good hygiene
- Wash hands before and after handling birds, eggs or equipment
- Wear clean clothing and footwear when entering bird areas
- Keep separate footwear for bird areas where practical.
Bird flu and human health
The risk of bird flu infection in people in Australia remains low.
Bird flu rarely spreads to humans but may occur after close contact with infected birds, bird droppings or heavily contaminated environments.
Good hygiene practices should always be followed when handling birds, animals or equipment.
For more information, visit NSW Health: