Bird flu: Preventing the spread with sound biosecurity

The following video, questions and answers have been compiled to support the wildlife rehabilitation sector.

How can H5 bird flu enter wildlife rehabilitation facilities?

H5 bird flu could enter a wildlife rehabilitation facility in several different ways, including:

• admission of an infected animal
• free-ranging animals
• fomites – for example, contaminated equipment, boots or clothing
• contaminated feed or water.

What biosecurity practices should I adopt?

Baseline biosecurity practices should always be adopted, regardless of the perceived risk. You will find more information on baseline biosecurity within the codes of practice provided by DCCEEW for the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector.

During periods of higher biosecurity risk, enhanced biosecurity practices should be adopted. You will find more information on enhanced biosecurity protocols within the H5 bird flu risk mitigation toolbox (PDF 2.2MB) developed by Wildlife Health Australia for wildlife rehabilitators.

Should I suspend new admissions?

Enhanced biosecurity protocols reduce the risk to animals and people alike – but cannot eliminate the possibility of disease introduction and spread. Therefore, your biosecurity plan should consider the option of suspending new admissions of higher-risk, or susceptible, animals during periods of higher biosecurity risk if you do not have a biosecure facility. Every wildlife rehabilitation facility should have a biosecurity plan suited to your circumstances and informed by your own risk assessment.

Should I accept a dead animal?

Dead animals should not be taken into the wildlife rehabilitation facility.

You should:

• double-bag the carcass and disinfect the exterior of the outer bag. This should only be done by a person wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and using a ‘no-touch approach’ (for example, use shovel or grasping tool)
• if you suspect the animal may be infected with H5 bird flu – record the species, date, fate, GPS coordinates of where the animal was found and any other useful information. These details should also be affixed to the outer bag once dry
• call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or use the online form
• dispose of the carcass in accordance with the carcass disposal guide at Avian influenza.