This page provides information for poultry and egg producers.
For information on aviary or other captive birds, see Bird owners and keepers.
Understand the risk of H5 bird flu
H5 bird flu (high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza) 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.
H5 bird flu could have major impacts on poultry production, native wildlife and the economy.
Bird flu outbreaks overseas have caused major losses in poultry industries and widespread deaths among wild birds and marine mammals.
An outbreak in Australia could have serious impacts on:
- poultry and egg production
- trade and export markets
- regional economies
- food supply chains.
The H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza outbreak in Victoria, NSW and the ACT in 2024 resulted in the destruction of 1.8 million birds.
Early detection and reporting are essential to reduce the potential impact of this disease.
Know the signs of bird flu in poultry
Watch for signs of illness such as sudden death, breathing problems, swelling or changes in behaviour.
Clinical signs of H5 bird flu 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
- sudden decreases in egg production
- purple discolouration or bruising of wattles, combs and legs.
Not all birds will show the same signs. Any unusual illness, increased deaths or unexpected changes in production should be investigated. See "Report bird flu" below for who to contact.
Report suspected bird flu immediately
Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease.
If you suspect bird flu, report it immediately.
Contact:
- your veterinarian
- your Local Land Services District Veterinarian
- the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
If you are unsure whether signs are significant, seek advice. Reporting concerns early helps protect your flock, other producers and the wider poultry industry.
For advice updates, visit the Bird flu (avian influenza) home page.
Understand how bird flu spreads
Bird flu can spread through:
- direct contact between infected and healthy birds
- contact with contaminated equipment, vehicles, feed or water
- faeces, saliva and other secretions from infected birds
- people, footwear and clothing carrying the virus between sites.
Wild birds, particularly migratory waterbirds, can carry the virus without showing signs of illness.
Reducing opportunities for disease to enter and spread within poultry operations is an important part of farm biosecurity.
Protect your flock with strong biosecurity
You can reduce the risk of bird flu entering your property by practising good biosecurity.
Maintain cleanliness
- Clean sheds, yards and equipment with detergent
- Disinfect after cleaning using an effective disinfectant
- Implement effective pest control
Provide safe water
- Use clean, treated drinking water
- Keep birds away from natural water sources such as streams, dams and ponds where possible.
Reduce contact with wild birds
- Place food and water inside shelters where possible
- Use fencing, netting or other measures to reduce contact with wild birds
- House or shelter birds where practical while maintaining animal welfare.
Control movements
- Minimise unnecessary movement of people, vehicles and equipment
- Check whether visitors have recently been in contact with other poultry
- Keep records of movements where appropriate
Monitor flock health
- Monitor birds regularly for signs of disease
- Investigate unusual illness or deaths
- Report concerns promptly
Strong biosecurity, flock monitoring and prompt reporting remain essential safeguards against bird flu.
- A documented biosecurity plan can help identify and manage disease risks. See the resources section below on this page for tools.
- Review biosecurity plans regularly and update them as risks change.
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:
How NSW responds to bird flu outbreaks
Australia has well-established arrangements to detect, manage and respond to animal disease emergencies, including H5 bird flu.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development leads the response to any detection of H5 bird flu in NSW and works closely with the Australian Government, other jurisdictions and industry.
Response arrangements focus on:
- early detection and reporting
- rapid containment of outbreaks
- protecting poultry industries
- protecting wildlife and the environment
- minimising impacts on communities and trade.
Vaccination may be considered if circumstances require. Also see About bird flu and Information for veterinarians