Species at risk
All bird species are considered vulnerable to bird flu, including:
- chickens
- turkeys
- pheasants
- partridges
- quail
- pigeons
- ducks
- geese
- guinea fowl
- ostriches.
Signs of bird flu
Signs of disease usually appear in several or all birds in a flock, including:
- sudden death
- lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
- droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
- head or limb swelling
- bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
- respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
- diarrhoea
- unusual head or neck posture, incoordination, inability to walk or stand
- unusual reduction in egg production.
Bird flu can only be confirmed through laboratory testing of samples collected by a veterinarian or government animal health officer.
How the virus spreads
If poultry get the disease, it can spread between birds or when contaminated poultry products, feed, equipment or other items are moved between sites. The bird flu virus can survive for long periods in droppings, respiratory secretions, water, feathers, eggs and meat.
Outbreaks in Australia
Since 1976, there have been 9 outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) strains in commercial birds in Australia.