Bird Flu and what you need to know

Bird Flu is a highly contagious viral disease that affects wild and domestic birds/poultry. If you own birds, you can help keep them safe from diseases like Bird Flu by using good biosecurity measures.

About Bird Flu

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) – also known as Bird Flu, is a viral disease of birds that can cause them to be very sick and often causes death.

A new strain (H5N1) of Bird Flu has caused the death of millions of birds overseas and can sometimes spread to other mammals as well, including cats, dogs and humans.

Bird Flu spreads quickly by direct, bird to bird contact as well as indirectly through contact with feed, water, clothing, equipment, and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. 

How to protect your birds

The best way to protect your birds is to prevent them having contact with wild birds or possible infected material e.g. droppings.

Keep your birds away from wild and sick birds:

• Make aviaries/enclosures bird proof by repairing or blocking holes.
• Keep your birds away from any water used by wild birds, e.g. bird baths.
• Keep new birds in a separate area away from other birds (quarantine) for 14 days - ensure they are healthy before introducing into the flock.
• Keep pet birds inside or under cover and separate from wild birds.

Maintain good hygiene:

• Be careful of what you walk through before you step into your bird enclosure e.g. puddles (or use disposable boot covers).
• Be careful of rodents - they can carry diseases on their feet and fur.
• Make sure no wild bird droppings can reach the birds feed.

Signs in birds

If you see signs of Bird Flu in your bird, try not to handle the bird yourself.

The risk to indoor birds is low, but clinical signs are similar.

Call your vet if you are concerned, or the MPI hotline 0800 80 99 66.

Chickens and other poultry

• Lack of energy/reluctance to move
• Eating less than normal
• Droopy head
• Darkened and/or swollen comb/wattle
• Coughing, panting and/or runny nostrils
• Laying fewer eggs than normal
• Watery or green diarrhoea
• Bruises on body and legs
• A silent hen house

Water birds (e.g. ducks)

The signs are similar to chickens, but can be less severe and take longer to appear:

• Weak neck
• Lack of coordination
• Blindness
• Trembling

If you have any concerns about birds you come across, or your own birds, contact your local Animates Vetcare clinic for more information, or visit the MPI website.

Credit: HPAI or high pathogenicity avian influenza | NZ Government

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza