Wild birds, especially waterfowl, can act as a reservoir for avian influenza viruses. Ducks, Geese, swans and shorebirds such as gulls are the natural hosts for the virus. Although risk analysis indicates it is unlikely that wild migratory birds will introduce HPAI into Australia, we know that LPAI viruses are present in wild birds in Australia (East et al. 2008; Curran 2012, Arzey 2004).

LPAI viruses rarely cause disease in wild birds, and usually only mild, if any, disease in poultry. However antigenic drift of LPAI viruses in uncontrolled infections of chickens and turkeys (H5 and H7 subtypes), has resulted in virulent HPAI infections (Centre for food security and public health, 2015) with up to 100% mortality.

Waterfowls are also important vectors in spreading AI between farms. Many strategies can be employed to assist in reducing contact with wild birds. Bird-proof fencing, reducing wild bird access to feed and water supplies and where necessary undertaking steps to deter wild birds are some examples.

Mitigating the issue: Prevent contact with wild birds, in particular waterfowl.

Check factsheet for further information, Biosecurity and pests (PDF download)

A biosecurity issue such as an uncovered water source will attract wildlife, including wild birds.

Water must be of appropriate drinking quality, be readily available in adequate quantity and free from microbes and contaminants.

Mitigating the issue: Ensure that water used in poultry sheds for drinking, cooling and cleaning, is of a standard suitable for livestock.

Check factsheet for further information, Biosecurity and water (PDF download), National water biosecurity manual for poultry (PDF download)

If you are introducing new birds into your poultry flock, they can be a source of endemic diseases (e.g. Marek’s disease) as well as EADs (e.g. Newcastle, AI). Precautions such as quarantining new birds for at least 21 days and obtaining a full history of prior treatments and vaccinations should be undertaken. Purchasing from established and accredited breeders with a biosecurity and flock health plan, rather than from unknown entities, is recommended.

Be vigilant and regularly observe new birds for any signs of disease.

Mitigating the issue: Avoid introducing new infectious diseases into the flock.

Check factsheet for further information, Healthy birds (PDF download), Disease free farm (PDF download)

Visitors can bring AI onto the farm via vehicles, clothing etc., especially if they have been in contact with poultry overseas or visited commercial poultry farms within the last 48 hours. It might be difficult to convince hobby farmers that they need to keep a visitor’s logbook but it is worth having the discussion.

Note that animals such as pets can also act as fomites for mechanical spread of disease if they come in contact with an environment that contains the virus – such as picking up contaminated faeces on their paws or fur.

Mitigating the issue: Reduce the risk of disease being brought onto the farm via fomites.

Check factsheet for further information, Biosecurity and visitors (PDF download)

Adequate food to meet the nutritional requirements of the birds must be provided. Food should be stored in vermin-proof containers to prevent rodents or wild birds from accessing and contaminating poultry feed.

Commercial feeds should be fed in adequate quantity in suitable containers to ensure the feed is fresh, uncontaminated and accessible to all birds in the flock.

It is illegal to feed swill to poultry in Queensland (that is food scraps contaminated with or containing meat or meat products or materials from mammals and birds. Bakery goods such as pies, pizza, deli meats or anything containing eggs must not be fed). For further information relevant to your area, please see information from your state/territory government (links provided at the end of the module).

Mitigating the issue: Limit the access of waterfowl and other animals to the shed and range area. Keep feed from contact with birds, vermin and other pests. Provide adequate and appropriate nutrition.

Check factsheet for further information, Queensland laws preventing swill feeding of poultry

People in contact with sick poultry not only pose a disease spread risk, but are also at risk of contracting the disease if it is zoonotic.

The main Infection route for humans is by inhalation during close contact with infected birds or tissues. This includes surfaces and fomites that are contaminated with faeces from infected birds. Activities involving high levels of exposure to faeces, tissues and bodily fluids (such as slaughtering and processing birds) are high risk. More information can be found here.

Mitigating the issue: Prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans.

AI virus can be found in poultry products including chicken meat and eggs. However, there is no evidence of human infection following consumption of properly cooked poultry products. In an outbreak situation, undercooked poultry should not be consumed and proper hygienic food handling practises should be followed to minimise risk of human infection via cross contamination of products eaten raw. More information can be found here.

Mitigating the issue: Prevent the risk of food-borne diseases

Pigs are susceptible to both Avian and Human Influenza A viruses, and could present an opportunity for mutation, or reassortment of genetic material to enable the virus to spread to multiple species (including humans). Although it has been shown pigs have low susceptibility to HPAI (Bourret 2018, Lipitov et at, 2008, Reeth, 2007), additional biosecurity precautions should be taken.

Mitigating the issue: Ensure separation of pigs and poultry