AFSA’s team has put together some recommendations for free range poultry farmers to deal and prevent the spread of Bird Flu.
The suggestions below, shared for information and guidance, are the result of a collaborative effort by veterinaries and other AFSA members, as farmers play a critical role in the “first line of defence” against H5 Bird Flu.
We also acknowledge some of these recommendations might be difficult to enact by some of our members, but we’re sharing them for your consideration.
1. Secure the Environment:
-
- Protect water sources and feed from contamination by wild bird faeces or respiratory secretions.
- Work to prevent all direct and indirect contact between your livestock (especially poultry) and wild birds or their environment. Feeding units like treadle feeders that only allow managed birds to have access to food could reduce the incident of wild birds being attracted to the poultry areas.
2. Implement Strict Biosecurity to stop spread from other areas:
-
- Limit the movement of people, vehicles, and equipment onto your farm.
- Ensure all staff practice robust hygiene, including the use of footbaths and dedicated clothing.
3. Monitor for Clinical Signs:
-
- Watch for sudden death, respiratory distress (coughing, sneezing), neurological issues (tremors, lack of coordination), or gastrointestinal signs (diarrhoea). In dairy cattle, look for decreased appetite and thickened, discoloured milk.
4. Manage Feed and Milk Risks:
- Avoid feeding raw poultry or unpasteurised milk products to other animals, such as farm cats, as they are highly susceptible to severe illness from the virus.
- Be aware that the movement of lactating cows is a primary transmission risk for dairy herds.
5. Report Immediately:
- If you suspect any bird or animal is sick, do not wait. Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately for advice.
6. Carcass Management:
- Do not handle dead wildlife or livestock without PPE. For small numbers of deceased animals, follow “double-bagging” and external decontamination protocols as directed by authorities.
7. Updating farm biosecurity plans:
- Track planning and implementation of biosecurity measures to restrict the spread. This evidence in preparation is going to be essential if needed when a spread enters a particular region.
Further Resources:
