FROM PREVENTION TO RESPONSE
Poultry biosecurity you can act on
Prevent
Stop disease at the gate
- Your biosecurity plan guidebook for disease prevention
- The template for building your biosecurity plan
- Warning signs of bird flu to watch for
Prepare
Know what you need to do ahead of an incursion
- Prevention and response plan templates
- Guidelines and work instructions
- Training resources
Respond
Tools to act quickly and with confidence in an outbreak
- Step‑by‑step action checklist
- Who to contact for advice and support
- Understand your responsibilites
How to use this website
Look Out for Signs of Bird Flu
The most obvious sign is sudden death of multiple birds within a flock. As well as sudden mortality, signs for bird flu in poultry (chickens and turkeys) can include:
- Lethargy or a reluctance to move
- Swelling around the head and neck
- Darkened or swollen face, discolouration of wattles and combs
- Unexpected drop in egg production
- Watery or green diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Droopy head, paralysis, or incoordination (neurological signs)
- Coughing, panting, and nasal discharge
- Bruising or haemorrhages, especially of the legs
- A silent or “too quiet” poultry shed
If you see any of these symptoms, contact your vet or stock manager. If they are not available, call the Exotic Pest and Disease hotline for advice.
Available 24/7
Joint Biosecurity Initiative
This poultry disease prevention and response biosecurity website is a collaborative initiative between PIANZ and EPF to provide comprehensive biosecurity and emergency response resources for New Zealand’s poultry and egg industries.
In light of increasing global avian influenza threats and other exotic disease risks, our industries have come together to ensure all farmers, producers, and industry professionals have immediate access to:
- Disease prevention resources and biosecurity best practices
- Emergency response procedures and protocols
- Contact information for industry contractors and support services
- Latest news and updates on biosecurity threats
- Direct links to government resources and hotlines