Bird Flu (H5N1) hasn't been found in Australian dairy herds BUT there have been three cases in wild birds found.
The following is a guide:
What to look for
How it spreads
What to do
Signs to watch for:
Sudden drop in feed intake or milk production.
If you have wearables watch for drops in rumination rates alongside these.
Respiratory signs:
Coughing
Nasal discharge
Breathing difficulties
High temperature / fever
Nervous signs.
Unexplained deaths.
Mastitis
THIS CAN BE THE ONLY PRESENTING SIGN
The virus replicates in the milk secreting cells
Severe mastitis
Milk can look like mastitis or thick colostrum
Shows up under PCR testing (but not the panel commercially used in Australia)
Bird Flu is spread via:
Direct contact with infected birds.
Especially waterfowl and seabirds.
Indirect contact via contaminated:
Feed and water
Bedding
Footwear and vehicles
Clothing and equipment
Windborne particles like manure, feathers and dust.
Use the following biosecurity measures:
Keep poultry and birds away from livestock.
Fence off ponds etc where they live.
Make use of bird scarers.
Prevent birds from contaminating feed and water
Don't forget young stock feed
Keep troughs clean
Clean and disinfect equipment, boots and vehicles if necessary.
Ensure hands are washed and disinfected.
Minimise people coming and going.
Record who does come and go.
Be vigilant with animal health:
Look for clinical signs in stock.
Be aware of sick birds.
Be aware of any dead birds on the property.
Don't touch sick or dead birds report them to your manager
AND CONTACT EAD HOTLINE
1800675888