Avian Influenza Restrictions Still in Place as Efforts to Contain HPAI H7N8 Strain Continue

By Roz Chia Davis

Whether you’re a commercial poultry keeper or a hobbyist with backyard chooks, NSW authorities encourage Hawkesbury residents to view the continued containment of avian influenza as a community-wide effort.

After the HPAI H7N8 strain was detected in the Hawkesbury in mid-June, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development moved swiftly to contain the highly-pathogenic strain, with Emergency Order restrictions applying to all keepers of poultry, including hobbyists. There remains minimal concern over any potential risk to humans.

Current information detailing the Emergency Order advises that exhibitions, displays, auctions and other means of selling domestic poultry or birds remains prohibited within the Restricted Emergency and the Control Emergency Zones, as do “roadside” sales of eggs, with surveillance of the area continuing to take place. Retail egg sales, such as those from the supermarket, are permitted.

A DPIRD spokesperson tells the Post, “Avian influenza is a low risk to the public because it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat provided they are handled and cooked according to safe food handling practices.”

The DPIRD’s advice directs any Hawkesbury residents wishing to move any birds, manure, eggs, and materials to check the interactive map on the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website, to see whether they are located in a zone where restrictions apply.

The DPIRD spokesperson says, “If located in a zone where restrictions apply, residents are required to apply for a permit to move birds, manure, eggs, and materials. Exemptions may be provided upon the granting of this movement permit. Each permit application will be subject to a risk assessment, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.”

If you live in the area and you are concerned about the health of your pet birds:

1. First, check if you are in an emergency zone. Enter your address in the DPIRD website’s interactive map to find out.
2. Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
3. Call your local veterinary clinic to advise of the issue and confirm that they will provide treatment for your bird.

When taking your bird to the vet, you must adhere to the conditions outlined in the Group Biosecurity Emergency Permit (movement of birds for veterinary treatment).

Subject to no more detections, the NSW Government will be working on lifting the emergency zones and restrictions over the next few months. If you see unusual signs in your birds, contact the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More information on avian influenza and movement restrictions is available on the NSW DPIRD website: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/poultry-and-birds/health-disease/avian-influenza

Link to apply for a permit to transport a bird to the vet: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1567849/Group-Biosecurity-Emergency-Permit-movement-of-birds-for-veterinary-treatment.pdf

Photo: Roz Chia Davis