Published 23 July 2026. Last reviewed 30 July 2026.
For the first time, H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza has been detected in Australia, and biosecurity is back at the top of every producer’s list. The fundamentals of protecting a farm have not changed: keep disease out, and if it does arrive, stop it spreading. Cleaning and disinfection sit at the heart of that, and getting them right comes down to method, the correct chemical strength, and consistency. This guide covers the practical steps, with a focus on how accurate disinfectant application supports your program.
The Current H5 Bird Flu Situation in Australia
From June 2026, Australia recorded its first detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, ending its long-held status as the last continent free of the strain. As of 30 July 2026, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) reported 28 confirmed detections in wild seabirds, and the virus is now transmitting locally between native birds. It has also been confirmed in mammals, with cases in southern elephant seals on sub-Antarctic Heard Island.
Importantly for producers, there have still been no detections in poultry or the wider agriculture industry, and no evidence of large-scale deaths. Animal Health Australia advises that the risk to human health remains low, that bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs handled and cooked correctly, and that there are no trade restrictions on Australian poultry or poultry products.
As a precaution, the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases continues to support heightened biosecurity in poultry, including options for voluntary housing of free-range birds where practical, while risk-based guidance is finalised. Preparedness is also widening beyond poultry, with an independent study released on the risks of H5 to the dairy industry. Because the situation is changing week to week, always check the DAFF bird flu page for the current position in your state.
This section was last reviewed on 30 July 2026. Figures and advice change quickly, so confirm the latest position with DAFF and your state authority.
Why Cleaning and Disinfection Are the Heart of Biosecurity
People, vehicles, equipment and water are the main ways disease moves onto and around a farm. Every recognised Australian biosecurity program, including the National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production, relies on controlling those pathways with cleaning and disinfection. Done properly, it breaks the chain before an infection can take hold.
Clean First, Then Disinfect
Disinfectant only works on a clean surface. Organic matter such as dirt, manure and litter shields pathogens and weakens many disinfectants, so the first step is always to remove the soil with detergent and water. Once a surface is clean, apply the disinfectant at the dilution and contact time stated on its label. Contact time matters: the surface needs to stay wet with disinfectant for the full period the manufacturer specifies, or the treatment will not do its job.
Key Disinfection Points on a Farm
| Point | What to do |
|---|---|
| Entry points | A footbath with a suitable disinfectant at every shed entrance. Scrape boot soles before dipping, change the solution regularly, and provide hand sanitiser. |
| Sheds and pens | Clean out and wash down, then disinfect between flocks or batches. Foam clings to surfaces longer for better contact. |
| Equipment | Clean and disinfect equipment before it enters a production area, between areas, and after it has been shared off-farm. |
| Vehicles | Provide a wash-down point and disinfect vehicles that must enter production areas. |
| Water | Use treated drinking water and sanitise water lines between flocks. Keep feed and water inside to discourage wild birds. |
How the Right Dispensing Equipment Supports Your Program
The disinfectants do the work, but the equipment decides whether they are applied at the correct strength, in the right place, every time. This is where accurate on-farm chemical dosing and disinfection equipment pays off:
- Foaming systems apply a clinging foam that increases contact time on walls, floors and equipment.
- Sanitising sprayers, including air-assisted units, cover surfaces and areas quickly and evenly.
- Footbath and entry-point dosing keeps disinfectant topped up at the correct concentration rather than left to guesswork.
- Water line sanitation and treatment keep drinking systems clean between flocks.
- Water-driven proportioners mix concentrate at a fixed ratio using water pressure alone, with no electricity required, so the dilution is consistent from shed to shed.
Precision Flow Solutions supplies this equipment to farms across Australia and can match a system to your sheds and throughput, drawing on Lafferty foaming and sanitising, Hydro line cleaning, and Knight dosing systems. Our equipment applies the approved disinfectants you choose. Always follow the product label and current authority guidance for what to apply and how.
A Quick On-Farm Biosecurity Checklist
- Restrict and record who enters production areas.
- Use footbaths and hand sanitiser at every shed entrance.
- Keep dedicated clothing and footwear for the clean zone.
- Clean before you disinfect, and follow label dilution and contact time.
- Disinfect equipment between areas and after sharing.
- Wash and disinfect vehicles that enter production areas.
- Treat drinking water and sanitise lines between flocks.
- Keep feed and water inside to discourage wild birds.
- Report sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Where to Get Official Guidance
For current, authoritative information, go to:
- DAFF bird flu (avian influenza) page: agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu
- Animal Health Australia avian influenza updates: animalhealthaustralia.com.au
- National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production (DAFF)
- Your state or territory agriculture authority
Report sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does bird flu spread onto a farm?
Avian influenza is most often introduced through contact with wild birds or their droppings, and it can also be carried onto a farm on contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, footwear and water. Restricting these pathways with entry controls, cleaning and disinfection is the core of keeping it out.
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning removes visible soil such as dirt, manure and litter using detergent and water. Disinfecting then reduces the pathogens left on the clean surface. Disinfection only works properly on a clean surface, so cleaning always comes first, followed by the disinfectant at its label dilution and contact time.
How often should a footbath be changed?
Change footbath disinfectant regularly and whenever it becomes dirty, as organic matter, sunlight and rain all weaken it. Scrape boot soles before dipping so the disinfectant contacts the sole, and keep the footbath topped up at the correct concentration.
Does disinfection equipment prevent bird flu?
No single piece of equipment prevents disease on its own. Dispensing equipment such as foamers, sprayers and footbath dosing helps you apply approved disinfectants accurately and consistently as part of a wider biosecurity program. Effectiveness depends on the disinfectant, correct dilution and contact time, and on following the product label and current authority guidance.
Can I add sanitiser to poultry drinking water?
Yes. A water-driven proportioner or medicator can dose sanitiser or treatment into the drinking water line at a precise, consistent ratio. Use treated water, follow the product and veterinary guidance, and monitor the system regularly.
Talk to Us About On-Farm Biosecurity Dispensing
Our team can recommend the right foaming, sanitising, footbath and water treatment dispensing for your farm, and supply, install and service it Australia-wide from our Northmead base in Sydney. Explore our on-farm solutions or contact us to discuss your site.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for the disinfectant product label or official guidance. For advice specific to your situation, consult your state agriculture authority, DAFF and your veterinarian.