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Horse Flavivirus Survey Report 2011 (PDF 517.4 KB) or Accessible version (Word 836.5 KB)

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Avian Influenza in ducks - industry information

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Victorian ducks

South Australian Poultry Industry Information No1:  6/02/2012

Situation in Victoria

  • A Low Pathogenic H5 strain of Avian Influenza (LPAI) has been detected on a duck property (with farms in two locations) in outer Melbourne.
  • Depopulation has been carried out as per Ausvetplan and appropriate restrictions and control have been put in place around these properties. Movement restrictions on poultry have been imposed on areas surrounding the infected premises.
  • Low pathogenic strains of avian influenza are detected from time to time in Australia. This is the first time that a H5 virus has been detected in domestic ducks in Victoria. Ducks rarely become ill as a result of these infections and are regarded as the natural hosts of influenza viruses.
  • Further information can be found on the Victorian DPI website: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/animal-diseases/poultry/avian-influenza

Situation in South Australia

  • Biosecurity SA is currently increasing surveillance for Avian Influenza virus in domestic poultry.
  • There has been no Avian Influenza virus detected in South Australian poultry flocks.
  • There are currently no restrictions on poultry movements into, out of or within the state of South Australia.  However, individual owners should consider the potential risk any poultry movements may pose to the introduction of diseases to their farm.
  • Poultry owners should ensure that a high level of biosecurity is maintained to prevent the possible introduction of an Avian Influenza virus into their flocks, especially through bird movements or contact with wild birds. Further information on biosecurity and the National Farm Biosecurity Manual for poultry production can be found at the following website: http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/pests-diseases-weeds/biosecurity/animal_biosecurity/bird-owners 

Reporting of Suspect Avian Influenza cases

  • The disease seen in poultry infected with Avian Influenza virus can vary from severe (sudden death which can be preceded by few or no clinical signs) to a very mild illness resulting in a drop in production.  In particular respiratory, neurological or gastro-intestinal signs may be seen in sick birds. 
  • Suspected cases of Avian Influenza should be reported to Biosecurity SA on the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.
  • General enquiries relating to Avian Influenza can be made by phoning Biosecurity SA on 8207 7900 during office hours.


Human Health concerns

  • Avian Influenza is a potential zoonotic disease (transmissible to humans), however most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans.
  • LPAI may infect people but causes only mild disease, including conjunctivitis and influenza-like illness.
  • While the risk of transmission of LPAI is considered low, poultry owners should practise good hygiene (i.e. washing their hands thoroughly after any contact with birds, bird faeces or bird body fluids) and consider the need to use personal protective equipment (PPE). 
  • Further information regarding  human health, avian influenza and the use of PPE can be found on the Victorian Health Department Website  http://ideas.health.vic.gov.au/diseases/lpai.asp

The information in this publication can be provided on request in an alternative format or another language for those who need it. Please contact Biosecurity SA on 8207 7900 to arrange this alternative.

PDF version (200.9 KB)