Avian Influenza: Guide for veterinarians and veterinary practices

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a small number of domestic birds in NSW, including backyard poultry and aviary birds. HPAI may cause severe disease and mortalities in poultry, waterfowl, parrots, songbirds, pigeons and wildlife.

All birds are considered HPAI carriers which means that they can contract and potentially spread HPAI. Veterinarians in private practice in NSW have an obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to mitigate the spread of HPAI whilst providing care to avian patients.

This guide provides best practice recommendations on how the risk of HPAI spread may be minimised by veterinary clinics in NSW.

This document sets out recommended practices to be employed by veterinary clinics:

• before an avian patient presents to a clinic
• at the clinic
• for collection and submission of samples

It is recommended that veterinary clinics use this guide to consider their capacity to provide for adequate biosecurity to limit the potential spread of avian influenza when making decisions about receiving and treating sick birds.