Bird Flu Industry Response Hub
Essential resources for poultry farmers and egg producers.
Covering bird flu and other exotic diseases.
Prevent
Get your biosecurity up to scratch
- Four pillars of prevention
- Warning signs to watch for
- Implementation checklist
Prepare
Know what you need to do ahead of time
- Templates and procedures
- Record keeping guides
- Training resources
Respond
Step by step guides in a disease event
- Response planning tools
- 3Ds procedures (Depopulation, Disposal, Decontamination)
- Emergency protocols
Look Out for Signs of HPAI
The most obvious sign is sudden death of multiple birds within a flock. As well as sudden mortality, signs for HPAI 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
Available 24/7
If you see any of these symptoms in your birds, contact your vet or stock manager.
If they are not available, call the Exotic Pest and Disease hotline for advice.
Joint Biosecurity Initiative
This emergency response 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:
- 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