Poultry
Poultry movement
Poultry health and diseases
Biosecurity is the best defence to protect poultry flocks from disease, with a focus on minimising contact with wild birds:
- keep feed and water inside sheds where practical, or ensure they are covered and difficult for wild birds to access
- ensure fresh feed and water is provided daily
- keep feed and water spaces clear of faeces and other organic matter
- ensure drinking water is treated, especially if it is straight from a natural water source, such as a river or dam
- ensure regular testing of treated drinking water, to make sure treatment is effective
- minimise the presence of vegetation that attract wild birds
- prevent the mixing of poultry species – keep chickens, ducks and turkeys separate
- limit visitor contact with birds
- keep new birds separate from your flocks in a quarantine pen for at least 4 weeks, until you are sure they are disease-free after transportation
- contact your local veterinarian to improve your overall flock's health, such as vaccinations.
See more on:
- Avian influenza
- Newcastle disease
- Salmonella enteritidis (SE)
- Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT)
- Pigeon paramyxovirus
- Vaccinations and antibiotics for poultry
- Caring for livestock during a heatwave
Producing for consumption
Poultry owners producing eggs and poultry meat for consumption must have both a:
If you require further information, please contact your local veterinarian, or contact us.
Page last reviewed: 18 Apr 2024