What is Avian Influenza (AI)?

Avian Influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds. It can infect a wide range of bird species including chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, partridges, pheasants, emus, ostriches, and various aviary and wild birds, especially waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans. AI is a nationally notifiable disease, meaning any suspected cases must be reported immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, monitored 24/7.

What does Avian Influenza look like?

Signs of AI infection in domestic poultry and birds can vary, from no obvious signs to sudden death. Affected birds may exhibit:

• Sudden death
• Increased flock mortality
• Decreased appetite, decreased feed and intake
• Reduction in egg production or abnormal eggs
• Lethargy, depressed demeanor, fluffed feathers.
• Swelling and/or cyanosis of the head, face, legs and feet.
• Neurological signs (Torticollis, tremors, ataxia, paralysis, seizure).
• Respiratory signs (Watery eyes, nasal discharge, sinusitis, cyanosis, dyspnoea, gasping)
• Gastrointestinal Signs (Diarrhoea, vomiting, polyuria).

Current Situation

In June 2024, High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), was detected at two commercial poultry farms (an egg layer farm and a chicken meat farm) in the Greater Sydney Basin. Additionally, four individual detections occurred on non-commercial properties within the restricted emergency zone near the original detection.  All impacted properties are under quarantine, and NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working closely with these properties using well-established national response arrangements to manage the outbreak.

The HPAI H7N8 strain detected in NSW was also detected in the ACT, with known linkages between the properties. It is not the same as the H5N1 strain causing concern globally and is not connected to the Victorian outbreak.  Australia remains free of the H5N1 strain of HPAI.

Emergency Order Requirements

- Implementation of AI restricted emergency zones and control emergency zones around the NSW detection and adjacent to the ACT border.

- Movement restrictions of all AI susceptible birds into and out of the emergency zones.

- Housing of AI susceptible birds within the emergency zones to prevent contact with wild birds.

- The emergency order will remain in place for six months. NSW DPIRD will continue to engage with industry on these biosecurity measures and compliance.

Movement Restrictions and Permits

For urgent veterinary care within the NSW Restricted and Control Emergency Zones, a group permit allows movements to a vet within NSW. If movements involve the ACT, refer to the ACT website for specific restrictions.

Movement restrictions apply in both the Restricted and Control Emergency Zones. If a movement is not permitted, an exemption may be granted through a movement permit issued by NSW DPIRD, subject to risk assessments on a case-by-case basis. Permit requests may take several days to assess, and many requests are unsuccessful, so alternative arrangements are advisable. You or your clients can apply for a movement permit here.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Avian Influenza?

AI is a nationally notifiable disease. If you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it. Notify by phoning:

- The Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24/7)

- Your Local Land Services District Veterinarian on 1300 795 299 (business hours)
 

Testing and sample collection

Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs in PBGS viral transport media are required for testing. Paediatric swabs may be necessary for smaller birds. Do not use commercially prepared swabs with plastic sleeves that contain transport medium. In emergencies, use 2 ml sterile saline if PBGS is unavailable.

For oropharyngeal sampling, a handler holds the bird’s head up vertically, restraining wings and feet. Insert the swab tip into the mouth, gently rub around the tracheal opening, and up along the choanal slit without inserting into the trachea. Label the vial with patient details and “T” for oropharyngeal swab.

For cloacal sampling, hold the bird’s head down vertically, restraining feet. Locate the cloaca, insert the swab tip, and rotate against the lining. Place the swab in PBGS, break off the stem, and seal the vial. Label the vial with patient details and “C” for cloacal swab.

Contact local labs for PBGS media and arrange sample dispatch with EMAI. Pack specimens securely, mark "SUSPECT AVIAN INFLUENZA," and submit with a form. AI testing costs are covered by NSW DPIRD.

For more information on sample collection and submission, as well as your legal duties and best practice for managing risks please see our Information for Vets

For information on human health for you staff and clients you can visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/avian-influenza.aspx

Additional information can be found by visiting: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/poultry-and-birds/health-disease/avian-influenza