AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU)

Recently several poultry farms in Euroa, Victoria were found to be infected with a high pathogenicity form of avian influenza, H7N8. Agriculture Victoria has instigated a restricted area around the affected properties. The strain found in Euroa is different than the H5N1 bird flu strain that is impacting other countries outside of Australia, this strain has never been detected within Australia.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of birds, it can result in a variety of symptoms in poultry and wild birds and often result in sudden death in our domestic poultry. Avian influenza is categorised as either low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI). ‘Low’ pathogenicity strains of the virus may produce fewer noticeable clinical signs but can still result in some deaths.

Avian influenza can be spread through saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. Spill over of the virus from wild bids into domestic poultry can occur and may cause disease. Bird flu can also spread via the movement of people, poultry, clothing and equipment.

The most important sign to be aware of and report is sudden death.
Other signs that can be associated with bird flu can include:

• Respiratory signs (noisy or rapid breathing, coughing, sneezing, increased nasal secretions)
• Conjunctivitis
• Swelling of the head
• Purple discolouration of the comb and wattles
• Rapid decrease in feed and water intake
• Decreased egg production
• Ruffled feathers
• Depression
• Closed eyes
• Diarrhoea
• Nervous signs (twisted neck, inability to stay upright, inability to fly, uncoordinated movement, walking or swimming in circles, partial or full paralysis)

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
All bird and poultry owners need to be vigilant and watch for any signs of bird flu within their flocks.
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease and therefore any suspicion of infection within a flock must be immediately reported.

Reporting can be done by calling any of the following:
– Your local veterinary clinic
– Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (EAD) on 1800 675 888
– VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226

Having good biosecurity practices also reduces the risk of disease transmission. Some simple steps you can take are:
– Practicing good personal hygiene before and after handling poultry (e.g. washing hands).
– Restricting contact between wild birds and any pet birds or poultry.
– Ensuring that all equipment, yards and aviaries containing birds are kept clean.
– Monitor birds for any signs of illness or death.
– Limit the amount of visitors to your flock.

For additional biosecurity measures please visit agriculture.vic.gov.au producers for further information.
For Avian Influenza fact sheet please head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/factsheet or contact us at the clinic if you would like to discuss the health of your flock!