Avian influenza

Most AI viruses cause only mild disease in poultry and are called low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses.

High pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses can develop from certain LPAI viruses, usually while they are circulating in poultry flocks. HPAI viruses can kill 90 to 100% of the flock and cause epidemics that may spread rapidly, devastate the poultry industry, and result in severe trade restrictions.

The strain detected in NSW is HPAI H7N8. It is not the same as the H5N1 strain that is impacting domestic and wild animals, and causing concern globally. The NSW cases are not connected to the H7N3 and H7N9 strains of HPAI in the Victorian outbreak.

NSW follows well-established national response arrangements to manage biosecurity outbreaks and has extensive animal disease surveillance programs that ensure early detection of diseases. A network of private veterinarians, district veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories across NSW enable early diagnosis and effective response when an outbreak occurs.

For the 2024 AI outbreak, the level of biosecurity has been upgraded on commercial poultry farms in NSW to minimise the risk of exposure to risk factors like wild birds, contaminated water supplies, other animals and visitors. The poultry industry in NSW has been closely cooperating with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to develop early reporting systems for unusual mortalities and to respond appropriately in the event of confirmed cases.

The current emergency order also applies to residents with pet birds in the emergency zones; containing domestic bird movements is another way NSW is working to contain the biosecurity risk.

A range of resources and communication methods are being used to inform industry stakeholders and the broader public about the biosecurity risk and infection prevention methods.

No. Poultry products (meat and eggs) that have been properly cooked are safe for human consumption because the cooking process destroys the avian influenza virus. Nevertheless, it is prudent for consumers to take normal food safety precautions when preparing and cooking poultry products.

Further information on food safety is available at the NSW Food Authority.

The NSW DPIRD Explanation Guide provides a full list of movement restrictions for birds, poultry, transport vehicles, avian products and equipment into, within and out of REZs and CEZs.

In cases where a movement is not permitted, exemptions may be provided upon the granting of a movement permit by NSW DPIRD. Each permit application will be subject to a risk assessment by NSW DPIRD and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Permit requests may take several days to assess and many requests are unsuccessful.

Apply for a movement permit.

Bird and transport operators must maintain strict hygiene practices including ensuring any transport vehicle is thoroughly disinfected prior to and after movement of birds, poultry and by-products.

Visit the NSW DPIRD Explanation Guide for a full list of movement restrictions and conditions for birds, poultry and by-products into, within and out of REZs and CEZs.

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease in NSW. If you notice symptoms consistent with HPAI, you must report it.

You can notify by phoning:

• your private veterinarian
• the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• your Local Land Services District Veterinarian on 1300 795 299 (business hours).

If your pet bird is showing symptoms and must be handled, precautions should be taken. Wear personal protective equipment such as a facemask, eye protection, gloves, and coveralls.

If you live in an emergency zone and you are concerned about the health of your pet birds:

Even if you only keep a few chickens in your backyard or you own a pet bird, you need biosecurity practices in place to protect your birds from disease.

• Restrict contact between your birds and wild birds wherever you can.
• Always wash your hands before and after handling birds.
• Provide feed and water in the poultry shed or use equipment that restricts wild bird access.
• Provide domestic (chlorinated) water as the only water source.
• Keep your poultry sheds, yards and aviaries, and equipment clean.
• Only buy healthy birds from reputable suppliers and always quarantine new birds before introducing them to the resident flock.
• Limit any visitors to your birds, and check if essential visitors have recently visited other premises where poultry are kept.
• 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.

Transmission of avian influenza (AI) to humans is rare. There is a very low risk of people becoming infected with AI viruses through normal contact with healthy birds.

You may be at higher risk if you have had contact with birds that are infected with AI or from their secretions (e.g. saliva, blood, faeces).

When handling sick birds or carcasses, wear appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce your risk of getting AI. This includes a P2/N95 mask, goggles, gloves and protective clothing.

For more information on HPAI in poultry, visit Avian influenza (nsw.gov.au)

For information on preventing AI in humans, read the NSW Health factsheet.