As a precaution against a number of outbreaks of Avian influenza in Victoria, South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions has issued a warning to chicken owners across the state.
Avian influenza H7N7 has been detected in Victoria at two free-range egg farm near Lethbridge along with detections of avian influenza H5N2 near Lethbridge and at Bairnsdale.
The virus is not considered a risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. It’s also important to note that properly cooked meat and eggs are safe to eat, and there is no connection to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The outbreaks are dangerous for backyard chickens (𝗡𝗢𝗧 for humans) with the influenza spread by wild birds.
To keep your chickens safe:
• Make sure feed and water can’t be accessed by wild birds
• Minimise contact between your chickens and wild birds
• Contact your vet if your chickens are unwell.
Biosecurity SA works with the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program run by Wildlife Health Australia to monitor avian influenza virus presence in wild birds to understand the risks, and prevent infection in poultry flocks.
There have been no detection of avian influenza in poultry in South Australia, however LPAI has been found in South Australian wild birds. Detections of HPAI in Australia are rare and all outbreaks have been successfully contained and eradicated.
Symptoms of infection can vary with a wide range of signs.
Look out for:
- swollen head
- reduced egg production
- misshapen eggs
- respiratory distress (open-mouth breathing, coughing, sneezing)
- diarrhoea
- reluctance to move, eat or drink
- droopy appearance
- inability to walk or stand
- unusual head or neck posture
- sudden death in several birds.
A large number of dead birds in a short space of time is typical of HPAI infection.
Contact your local veterinarian or phone the Animal Disease Hotline immediately on 1800 675 888 if your birds are showing any of the symptoms listed above.
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