Avian Influenza

ALERT

Avian influenza (HPAI H7N8) was detected in the ACT on 27 June 2024, and a quarantine order has been implemented to manage the spread.

Belconnen residents within quarantine areas are asked to identify the domestic birds they keep by completing the Identifying Numbers of Domestic Birds in the ACT smart form.

A local information line has also been established to assist with community information about the virus. 02 6207 4300.

To assist with the ACT’s response, we are asking that all bird owners implement these simple steps to reduce the disease spreading:

  • restrict access of your birds to wild birds and do not move birds between properties.
  • practice good hygiene including hand washing when handling your birds.
  • monitor your animals for any signs of illness.

    To report unusual signs of disease or if you suspect an exotic disease in your poultry, call the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline immediately on 1800 675 888.

    Note: Avian influenza is not a food safety concern and it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry meat, eggs and egg products.

    • Current Situation

    ACT quarantine arrangements

    ACT Government has declared two quarantine areas: a restricted quarantine area and a control quarantine area. These quarantine areas are in place to reduce the movement of not only birds, but other materials, objects and equipment deemed as high risk.

    The restricted quarantine area is within two kilometres of the affected property. Restricted areas include parts of Macgregor, Macnamara and Strathnairn. The movement of all birds, poultry products (unless bought from a retailer such as a supermarket or grocer) and equipment used to care for birds (unless new and purchased from a retailer) is prohibited.

    If you live in these areas, find out more about the restrictions through the Animal Diseases (Exotic Disease Quarantine Area) Declaration 2024 (No 1)

    The control quarantine area is within ten kilometres of the affected property. This means the movement of all birds, bird products (unless bought from a retailer such as a supermarket or grocer) and equipment used to care for birds (unless new and purchased from a retailer) is prohibited.

    The movement of eggs from a farm in the area is allowed under certain conditions.

    The movement of feed into the area is allowed under certain conditions.

    Find out more at Animal Diseases (Exotic Disease Quarantine Area) Declaration 2024 (No 3). Restrictions are especially important in the early period of this response. The situation will be monitored closely by the ACT Government and the restrictions may be amended or removed depending on the progression of the current outbreak.

    ACT Biosecurity will continue to work closely with industry on good biosecurity practices.

    Identifying Domestic Birds in the ACT

    The ACT Government has implemented a quarantine order to manage the current case of Avian influenza (bird flu) in the following postcodes, 2614, 2615, 2617 and 2618.

    Keepers of domestic birds in these suburbs can complete the Identifying Numbers of Domestic Birds in the ACT form to allow us to understand how many domestic birds there are in these suburbs.

    If you see unusual signs of disease or suspect an exotic disease in your poultry, call the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline immediately on 1800 675 888.

    Map of ACT quarantine area

    View larger map

    Restricted Quarantine Area: Macgregor, Macnamara and Strathnairn.

    Control Quarantine Area: Belconnen, Charnwood, Cook, Dunlop, Evatt, Florey, Flynn, Fraser, Hall, Hawker, Higgins, Holt, Latham, Lawson, Macgregor, McKellar, Macquarie, Melba, Page, Scullin, Spence, Weetangera and Whitlam.

    Please note: This quarantine area borders NSW, this map shows the ACT quarantine area but does not include the emergency zones for NSW. More information about NSW emergency zones are available on the Department of Primary Industries website.

    Additional information

    National Avian influenza situation

    New South Wales

    Avian influenza (HPAI H7N8) has been detected at a number of poultry farms since June 2024. Details of the response, including movement controls can be found on the Department of Primary Industries website.

    Victoria

    Avian influenza (H7N3 and H7N9) has been detected at a number of poultry farms since May 2024. Details of the response, including movement controls to prevent the spread of avian influenza can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.

    What is Avian influenza?

    Avian influenza (also known as bird flu) is a highly contagious viral disease of birds. Avian influenza virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI). Most LPAI strains of avian influenza virus cause minimal disease in wild birds and poultry. However, some LPAI strains can evolve into HPAI strains when they spread among poultry.

    Further information about avian influenza can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) website.

    How does the virus spread?

    All bird species are considered vulnerable to  avian influenza including wild birds (especially waterbirds or shorebirds), domestic poultry, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants, emus and ostriches.

    AI in pet birds such as budgies, canaries and other caged birds has not been observed in previous AI outbreaks.

    What species are affected?

    AI can affect many bird species including wild birds (especially waterbirds or shorebirds), domestic poultry, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants, emus and ostriches. AI in pet birds such as budgies, canaries and other caged birds has not been observed in previous AI outbreaks.

    What are the symptoms of avian influenza in birds?

    Signs of AI in birds can vary from no obvious signs to sudden death. Infected birds may show any of the following signs:

    • sudden death
    • watery eyes
    • breathing difficulties
    • swelling and purple discoloration of the head, comb, wattles and neck
    • coughing, sneezing, or rasping respiration
    • ruffled feathers, depression, closed eyes
    • diarrhoea
    • nervous behaviour.

    For more information about the disease in birds read the Facts about avian influenza page on the DAFF avian influenza page.

    What do I do if my bird is sick or I suspect avian influenza?

    Avian influenza is very easily transmitted by moving sick birds, as well as contaminated boots, vehicles and equipment if adequate biosecurity measures are not implemented.

    If your bird is unwell call your veterinarian before visiting.

    Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease which means any suspected or confirmed cases must be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

    How to reduce the risk of avian influenza entering or spreading to birds?

    It is important to understand that whether you’re a commercial producer, or only keep a few chickens in your backyard biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

    ACT Community members with backyard birds are strongly encouraged to restrict their access to wild birds and to not move birds between properties.

    Other actions people can take are;

    • practice good hygiene
    • make sure clothing (overalls and footwear) are used and cleaned thoroughly after interacting with bird and
    • wash and disinfect equipment and vehicles thoroughly if they are used to transport or handle birds.

    To learn more about appropriate biosecurity practices and farm hygiene visit the:

    The NSW DPI Backyard chickens fact sheet has simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of diseases entering or spreading among your chickens.

    Can the virus spread to humans?

    The spread of avian influenza from birds to people is rare but may occur with certain strains of the virus if there is close contact with infected birds and their droppings.

    People cannot get infected with AI by eating cooked eggs or chicken meat.

    If you think you may have been exposed to avian influenza, visit Avian influenza information for contacts.

    For health advice about Avian influenza, visit the DAFF Human Health information page.

    Managing your personal wellbeing

    Stressful events can make you feel worried. An Emergency Animal Disease outbreak may impact people’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

    If you or your loved one are in an unsafe or life-threatening situation, call 000 immediately.

    In difficult and uncertain times, we need to remember to look after ourselves. To support your wellbeing you can:

    • Make sure you maintain routines with good diet, exercise, and sleep. This will increase your capacity to manage stress.
    • Stay connected with family and friends and seek support when you need it.
    • Find someone to talk to, to discuss your experience and feelings.
    • Focus on doing small straightforward tasks.

    There are a number of support services available to assist you and your family.

    Contact: