Poultry owners urged to watch out for signs of potentially deadly diseases

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Storms, mould and mozzies are all part of living in northern Australia. But for our feathered friends, this time of year can be a treacherous time.  Chicken-lovers are being warned to watch out for warning signs of potentially deadly diseases.

Transcript

00:00For Ingrid and Maggie, keeping this group of cheeky chooks in check can be a challenge.

00:11During the top end wet season when temperatures peak and the humidity is unrelenting, it's

00:18not just humans feeling the heat.

00:20We do notice they get hot, sometimes they just lie around.

00:24The Northern Territory's Chief Veterinary Officer, Robert Williams, says seasonal change

00:28presents a serious risk.

00:30Probably the most common things we see are things like heat stress, foul cholera, we

00:34see some infectious respiratory diseases.

00:37The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries also on high alert for signs of avian influenza

00:43or bird flu.

00:44In New South Wales and Victoria and the ACT we had an outbreak recently of H7 bird flu.

00:51So far the NT hasn't experienced that, nor the destructive H5 bird flu virus.

00:57Even so, poultry owners are urged to keep a close eye on their chooks.

01:02Keeping those birds, your backyard chickens or your pet chickens away from other birds,

01:09wild birds in particular, is essential.

01:11Protecting them from mosquitoes and mould also recommended.

01:16Keeping birds under shelter, keeping the food dry is very important.

01:21If you notice your chickens acting strangely, like struggling to eat or walk, you should

01:27contact a vet straight away.

01:29Although when it comes to expert advice, Maggie and Ingrid have some helpful tips for keeping

01:34their feathered friends happy and healthy.

01:37Sometimes when they're having dust baths we add water so that they're a little cooler.

01:43And when they're feeling peckish, prawn shells are a hit, especially at Christmas.

01:49But Robert Williams says switching your chook's diet too quickly can ruffle some feathers.

01:54Do that slowly because their gastrointestinal system has to take a little bit of time.

01:59Laying down some expert advice for a fowltastic festive season.

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