As a backyard or hobby poultry keeper, you are encouraged (but not required) to follow these simple practices to help minimise the risk of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 Birdflu entering and spreading in your flock:
- Prevent or limit contact between your birds and wild birds, including their feed and water sources. Moving feed and water inside a shelter can help prevent wild bird access.
- Keep sheds, yards, aviaries, and equipment clean.
- Limit visitors to your birds and ask essential visitors about recent contact with other poultry.
- Practise good hygiene: wash hands (soap and water) before and after handling birds, eggs, or equipment.
- Change into clean footwear before entering poultry areas.
- Keep basic records of bird movements or sales.
- Monitor your birds closely and report any unusual signs of disease or increased deaths to your veterinarian or local agriculture department.
These steps are recommended good practice only and are not mandatory for non-commercial owners.