Avian Influenza In The Hawkesbury: Protecting Your Pet Birds

Avian Influenza, is a serious, highly contagious disease of birds, has been detected in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area.

Can pet birds get avian influenza?
The majority of birds are susceptible to avian influenza and pet birds are no exception. All bird owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and to report all unusual signs of disease or death to their veterinarian, or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

How do I protect my aviary birds or backyard birds?
Basic biosecurity steps will minimise the risk of avian influenza as well as other diseases. Health monitoring and sound husbandry practices assist in early detection of any flock problems. Purchase birds from reputable sources.

Where possible, minimise contact between domestic and wild birds or other animals. Minimise non-essential visitor contact with domestic and aviary birds. Keep new flock introductions separately for 2-3 weeks after arrival. Water supply in most urban backyards or aviary flocks is chlorinated town water. However, in rural areas, water used from a dam, river or creek should be chlorinated to make it safe to drink.

Avian influenza information for pet bird owners
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) is a serious, highly contagious disease of birds. It is notifiable in Australia, meaning any suspected cases need to be reported immediately to the national Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. HPAI can affect wild and pet birds including, but not limited to, budgerigars, parrots and other pet birds.

Where can I get more information?
Plain English Guide – Avian influenza www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0009/1565991/20240627_AI-Plain-English- Guide.pdf

Avian influenza questions and answers
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/ poultry-and-birds/health-disease/avianinfluenza/ more/questions-answers

NSW DPI’s BioResponse app
BioResponse NSW is an easy-to-use app that provides users with fast, reliable, targeted and up-to-date information about biosecurity emergencies direct to your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Download BioResponse NSW on the App Store (apple.com) or Google Play Store Australia’s nationally agreed AUSVETPLAN Response Strategy for Avian Influenza is available at www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au