Avian influenza A viruses also known as “Bird Flu”, have affected birds globally for a very long time. Influenza A viruses are known to infect an array of different animal species including humans, wild birds, domestic poultry, pet birds, swine, horses and dogs.
The current strain affecting domestic poultry farms and surrounding suburbs in NSW is a high pathogenic strain (H7N5) and has resulted in the mass mortality and depopulation of a commercial egg farm of more than 8,000 chickens. Further surrounding farms are being monitored and the movements of ANY bird in the area are being heavily monitored by the Department of Primary industries.
So, what does this mean for you as a bird owner? Is your bird at risk?
As of the 19th of June, the DPI placed a biosecurity lockdown for suburbs located nearby the Hawkesbury outbreak which is in effect until the 19th of December, 2024. Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza can affect all bird species including pet birds!
If you are located within either an emergency or control zone (see link below for map reference) and you are the owner of ANY bird, you are unable to take your bird out of your area without a permit. If your bird becomes sick or injured, you need to:
Check if you are in an emergency zone as you may need a permit: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ai
Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Call the clinic: 4454 6222 to advise our nursing staff that you would like to bring in your bird. You will be asked some questions relating to the symptoms of your bird and your location so that our trained staff can advise you appropriately.
Symptoms of Avian influenza are variable and may not always be obvious in presentation.
PLEASE NOTE: Our Avian Veterinarian is only seeing one client at a time. When you arrive for your appointment, we ask that you please DO NOT enter the clinic and to notify the nursing staff of your arrival via phone for instruction from the carpark. This applies to ALL bird owners within or outside of the nominated control and emergency zones.
If you are granted a permit from an emergency or control zone you need to follow the permit orders: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1567849/Group-Biosecurity-Emergency-Permit-movement-of-birds-for-veterinary-treatment.pdf
These measures are in place to ensure the health, well-being and safety of our clinic pets, patients and staff. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
