Avian Influenza alert
Avian Influenza (H7N3) was detected in May 2024 at a mixed free-range and cage bird egg farm in Victoria.
NSW remains free of Avian Influenza (AI) but is monitoring the situation carefully and has stepped up activities to prepare.
The strain detected in Victoria is different to the H5N1 strain that has been circulating in the Northern hemisphere. Victoria is working closely with producers to contain and eradicate the virus.
Eggs and chicken meat are safe to eat provided they are handled and cooked as per standard food handling practices.
It is not unusual for avian influenza to be detected in wild birds in Australia and NSW has previously eradicated three High Parthenogenic incidents (1997, 2012 and 2013).
Currently, the risk of transmission to NSW remains low.
What is Avian Influenza?
Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting avian species but also capable of infecting a wide range of mammals (e.g. marine and mammals). It rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.
AI can infect a wide range of birds including chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, partridges, pheasants, emus, ostriches, and a large number of aviary and wild birds, especially waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans.
Symptoms of Avian Influenza
Signs of avian influenza (AI) infection in domestic poultry and wild birds can be variable from no obvious signs to sudden death.
Detailed symptoms and signs and how AI can affect humans can be found on the Department for Primary Industries (DPI) and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) websites.
What you should do if you suspect Avian Influenza.
Avian Influenza (AI) is a nationally notifiable disease which means if you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it.
If you see unusual signs of disease or suspect an exotic disease in your poultry, or in any wild birds that you may encounter, immediately call the Lord Howe Island Board Biosecurity team (02) 6563 2055 who will contact the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) hotline to trigger an appropriate response.
Import of any avian species to the Island will require prior approval and screening from the LHIB Environment and Community Services unit. The avian import policy can be found here.