Be aware and be proactive in adopting practical biosecurity measures when dealing with birds or poultry: these are things we can all do to help stop the spread of Avian Influenza in New Zealand.
- Limit contact with wild birds as much as possible: Wild birds are known carriers of AI and other diseases which can affect poultry. At a minimum, keep food and water sources inaccessible to wild birds.
- Maintain hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling chickens or other birds.
- Clean housing regularly: Poultry housing should be kept clean, dry, and well-disinfected. Always clean out and disinfect between flocks. Regularly spread Stalosan F (at least once weekly) through poultry housing.
- Quarantine new birds: When introducing new birds to your flock, quarantine them for at least 14 days to prevent potential spread of disease.
- Avoid unnecessary risks: Don’t let other people visit or handle your birds and don’t visit or handle other people’s birds. If you must, adopt good biosecurity practices – washing your hands, wearing clean clothes and changing your footwear. If you’re visiting a commercial poultry operation, adopt their biosecurity measures.
- Report: If you observe sick or dead birds (the guideline is three or more), report them immediately to MPI’s hotline at 0800 80 99 66.