H5 bird flu information for poultry producers

People, vehicles and equipment can transfer disease onto and between poultry properties.

To reduce risk:

• Fence poultry areas and display signs at entry points to restrict access.
• Restrict visitors to essential visits only and maintain a stand-down period between visitors to different poultry premises.
• Provide clean boots and coveralls for essential visitors.
• Ask visitors to wash or sanitise hands before and after entry.
• Maintain effective use of barriers between inside and outside areas including the use of footbaths.
• Direct traffic from younger to older birds, and from healthy to sick birds.
• Keep a record of all visitors to your farm.
• Clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment before they enter poultry areas or move between properties.

You can make your property or premises less attractive to wild birds by using:

• bird deterrents such as scarecrows
• spike strips to stop perching
• foils or streamers around sheds and buildings.

It is illegal to destroy or actively disturb native wildlife including wild birds without a permit. Where the measures outlined above are not suitable or effective, landholders can apply to the Conservation Regulator for permits to use other wildlife management methods.

Wild birds, pets, rodents and insects can contaminate poultry areas.

To reduce risk:

• Prevent poultry from having contact with wild birds, pet birds and other animals.
• Secure poultry houses and ranges to prevent wild birds accessing feeders and drinkers.
• Ensure water is adequately sanitised, particularly where source water may be accessed by waterfowl.
• Repair any holes or gaps to stop wild birds getting in.
• Fix leaks to stop contaminated water getting in.
• Remove areas of standing water to reduce the attractiveness to wild birds.
• Fix blocked drains or downpipes to stop contaminated water getting in.
• Regularly clean areas around poultry houses to prevent wild bird droppings or other organic matter from being carried inside.
• Keep feed and water within protected poultry areas and avoid feeding poultry where wild birds can gain access.
• Maintain effective rodent and insect control programs.
• Remove organic material such as moss from the roof which may attract wild birds.
• Do not allow pets inside poultry areas.

Keeping poultry facilities and surrounding areas clean helps reduce pests and disease.

To reduce risk:

• Appropriately treat and manage wastewater and effluent.
• Appropriately store and safely dispose of waste and packaging from poultry facilities.
• Cut grass and control weeds around poultry areas.
• Remove unused equipment and rubbish that may provide shelter for pests.
• Clean up spilled feed promptly.
• Regularly clean and disinfect poultry houses, feeders, drinkers and equipment.
• Cover bedding if stored outside and only take clean bedding inside.
• Where applicable, use all-in, all-out management and thoroughly clean and disinfect poultry houses before introducing new birds.

Dead birds must be removed every day and disposed of using approved methods. Leaving carcasses inside sheds increases the risk of disease spreading through rodents, insects or direct contact.

To reduce risk:

• Remove dead birds from poultry areas at least daily.
• Store carcasses securely until disposal.
• Dispose of carcasses promptly using an approved method.
• Do not stockpile dead birds inside poultry houses.
• Report unusual illness deaths immediately.

If you suspect avian influenza or any other emergency animal disease in poultry, please call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. The faster any disease can be detected, the more successful a response can be.

Producers should review and apply the biosecurity guidance that is relevant to their production system.

This includes any company, integrator or quality assurance requirements that apply under grower contracts or enterprise biosecurity plans.

These resources can help with farm-specific biosecurity planning.

They include guidance on:

• documentation and training
• facility standards
• staff and visitor procedures
• farm operations
• water risk
• species-specific needs
• extra steps used by companies or integrated producers.

Industry and other resources

• Egg Farmers of Australia
• Australian Chicken Meat Federation
• Australian Chicken Growers Council
• Planning and environment guideline for establishing meat chicken farms
• Australian animal welfare standards and guidelines for poultry
• Victorian Farmers Federation biosecurity factsheet