Bird flu webinar for owners of pet birds and backyard poultry

South Australians who have pet birds or backyard poultry will have the opportunity to join a targeted information session and hear directly from the experts leading the state’s H5 bird flu response.

An online forum will be held from 6.30pm on Tuesday, 25 August, to provide the latest information about bird flu and provide helpful advice on how people can better protect their backyard chooks, pet budgies and other pet birds.

The session will be hosted by Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Skye Fruean and representatives from the Department for Environment and Water and SA Health.

They will speak about biosecurity measures that can help reduce the risk of wild birds transmitting the H5 virus to backyard birds, such as keeping free-ranging birds in enclosed areas if possible and covering food and water sources.

Outbreaks elsewhere in the world have demonstrated that backyard poultry, pet birds, cats and dogs are susceptible to H5 bird flu.

Advice will also be provided on managing the risk to humans. While the human health risk from H5 bird flu is low and risk of transmission between people is very low, there have been a very small number of human infections overseas.

This webinar forms part of the South Australian Government’s continuing efforts to directly engage with key stakeholders including primary industries, the wildlife sector, and the broader community.

Community forums are also being held to engage the broader public about H5 bird flu, offering South Australians another avenue to hear directly from experts and Government ministers on what is being done to respond and prepare for further bird flu detections.

Upcoming bird flu community forums:

• Monday, 24 August (6pm – 7.30pm)
  Golden Grove Recreation and Arts Centre 
  Tenison Place, Golden Grove

• Thursday, 27 August (6pm – 7.30pm)
  Port MacDonnell Community Complex
5-7 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell

Previous forums have been held at Goolwa, Kingscote, Yorketown, Glenelg, Robe, Parham, Berri and Port Adelaide.

To register attendance for the webinar for backyard poultry and pet bird owners, as well as any upcoming community forums, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au/community-forums.

South Australians are encouraged to continue being vigilant in reporting sick and dead birds and other wildlife.

Avoid touching sick or dead birds and other wildlife. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For the latest updates, information and advice about H5 bird flu in South Australia, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.