30/06/2024
โผ๏ธ ๐ฐ๐ด๐ท๐ถ๐น๐ป๐จ๐ต๐ป ๐ผ๐ท๐ซ๐จ๐ป๐ฌ - ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐โผ๏ธ
Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in flocks in the Sydney region. This is a notifiable disease and has potential serious implications if not controlled for our poultry industry, wildlife, and companion birds. We have been given instructions by various bodies regarding appropriate protection and control measures that must be in place which we have adapted to our clinic and for our clients.
Most of our patients fall into the low-risk category. Indoor birds with no access to wildlife have a very low chance of exposure to avian influenza. It is spread most readily from wild birds to poultry via direct contact or faecal contamination, however any bird can be infected. Clients can be reassured we are taking steps to protect their animals in the clinic and should also be taking steps to keep their animals safe at home. This includes:
- Keep birds indoors. Outdoor access should only be supervised, preferably under shelter and with a human present at all times to keep safe from wildlife.
- No mixing of birds from different households, including taking to visit friends birds, boarding at premises that do not require health checks, and visiting bird shows or sales.
- Wash hands well before handling your pet birds after coming home.
- Do not visit or interact with birds outside your home, particularly within the control zones.
- No birds from the control zone areas are permitted to leave the area, and they can not come to our clinic for treatment or examination.
- Outdoor birds, particularly poultry, need to be protected from wild bird access as best as possible. Bring animals inside if you can.
If this is not possible, steps should include:
- Ensuring wiring is appropriate to prevent access, double fencing is preferred.
- Make sure all water and food sources are protected from wild birds or animals.
- Do not feed or encourage wild birds on your premises.
Solid roofing over aviaries can help prevent contamination from overhead flying birds.
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All clients with wildlife, pet poultry, birds who have access to outdoors, or stray birds who have been lost and found again need to wait in the car on arrival and then call the clinic for advice.
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The recommendation to Avian Vets in Australia is to temporarily cease providing care to wildlife or to take in stray birds. These animals must be taken to local GP vets, who are able to call us for advice if needed, or to wildlife hospitals (AREPH or Taronga) where applicable. Stray birds will need to be taken to the RSPCA, another local vet, or a local pound such as Sydney dog and cats home. They can not come inside the clinic.
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๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐:
An appointment can be made, however you will need to wait in your car and call the clinic for instructions on arrival on 9319 6111.
We ask that you please do not park in our garage area at this time, as we will be using a portion of it for triage and examination of birds unable to enter the clinic.
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You may be told to come to the front as usual, come to the back door for a discussion with the vet and then your bird taken inside or examined in a safe area outside, or we may need to come to your car to swab for AI and then have you return home with your bird to await further instructions and make a second appointment following a negative results.
Please allow extra time for your appointment due to the increased time these additional steps may take.
Please be aware certain animals may require 2 visits to allow swabbing and then a further consult once negative results have been obtained.
If we believe your animal is at risk but requires immediate exam this may be performed outside, with additional PPE, and you may be sent home or to a non-avian clinic for further care while awaiting results.
If you would like to speed up the process and avoid 2 trips please ask your local vet if they can perform screening testing. The results will need to be forwarded to us directly from your vet before making an appointment and your bird must have been kept indoors since the sample was taken.
Testing usually takes 1-2 days to return however this may change as demand on the testing laboratories increases.
Testing for AI may incur a small charge depending on the symptoms present, the risk factors, and the speed in which we need results returned.
We understand this is a stressful time, and many people will be concerned for the welfare of their birds. Our additional protocols are to help increase the safety of everyoneโs pets and companions, reduce the risk to our patients on site, and to allow us to stay open and able to care for your special animals. Please remain patient and treat our staff with kindness as we will with you, while we all navigate this difficult time.
Please note this information may change rapidly as the situation develops. We will keep you updated as we know more
