H5 bird flu and backyard chickens

H5 bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza) has been detected in wild birds in Victoria, and all poultry owners can play an important role in protecting their chickens, supporting local wildlife and helping prevent the spread of the disease.

For backyard chicken owners, the best approach is simple:

Maintain good biosecurity
Monitor your birds' health
Report sick or dead birds

These practical steps help protect both domestic poultry and native wildlife.

What is H5 bird flu?

H5 bird flu is a viral disease that can affect all native and exotic birds (wild and domesticated) including chickens and ducks. There are some cases overseas where H5 bird flu has crossed over to mammal species like seal, sea lions, foxes, cats and some livestock. While H5 bird flu is new to Australia, there have been significant impacts on poultry and wildlife populations overseas.

Human infections are rare and typically occur only after close contact with infected animals or heavily contaminated environments. The risk to the general public is low. Practical actions for n1backyard chicken owners

Reduce contact with wild birds

Wild birds can carry avian influenza viruses. Reducing contact between your chickens and wild birds is one of the most effective ways to lower disease risk.

Good practices include:

Using netting, roofing or covered runs where practical
Keeping feed and water under cover
Cleaning up spilled feed promptly
Preventing access to areas frequented by waterbirds
Keeping poultry away from dams, ponds and wetlands where possible

Keep feed and water clean

Feed and water can attract wild birds and become contaminated.

Good practices include:

Using enclosed feeders where possible
Refreshing drinking water regularly
Preventing access by wild birds
Storing feed in sealed containers

Practice good hygiene

Simple hygiene measures help reduce the spread of many poultry diseases.

Remove excess food from the bottom of the coop
Wash hands after handling birds
Wear clean footwear in poultry areas
Clean and disinfect equipment regularly
Avoid sharing poultry equipment between properties unless it has been thoroughly cleaned

Monitor your flock

Familiarity with your chooks' normal behaviour helps you identify problems early.

Signs that may require veterinary advice include:

Reduced egg production
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Breathing difficulties
Swelling around the eyes, head or neck
Unusual posture or behaviour
Sudden deaths

If birds become sick in a short period, contact your veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888

If you find sick or dead wild birds

Community reporting plays an important role in H5 bird flu surveillance and management. Visit the Nillumbik bird flu page for more information on when and how to report sick or dead birds.

Protecting your pets from bird flu

Our pets are an important part of our lives, and while dogs and cats rarely become infected by bird flu, there are some practical actions you can take to minimise potential contact with infected wildlife. Visit the Nillumbik bird flu page for more information on protecting your pets.

Looking after wildlife

Nillumbik residents care deeply about local wildlife and natural environments. While it may be tempting to help distressed birds directly, avoiding contact and reporting concerns allows trained wildlife and biosecurity experts to assess the situation safely.

The community reporting of sick birds helps authorities understand disease risks and respond appropriately.

Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888

Are eggs and chicken meat safe?

Australian food safety authorities advise that eggs and poultry products remain safe when handled and cooked appropriately.

As with all food preparation:

Wash your hands before and after handling raw poultry, eggs and other raw foods
Keep raw poultry separate from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination
Cook poultry and egg dishes thoroughly
Clean and sanitise food preparation surfaces, utensils and equipment after use
Store food safely and keep perishable foods refrigerated

Additional resources

Follow the links below for up to date information on H5 bird flu.