In South Australia, response efforts to track and manage the H5 bird flu outbreak rely heavily on the . Keeping your Property Identification Code (PIC) system registration updated allows the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) to trace potential exposures and push critical biosecurity updates to bird owners.
Who Needs to Register?
- Commercial Poultry Producers: Registration is a strict legal requirement for anyone keeping poultry (chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc.) for commercial purposes, including meat or egg production.
- Backyard Keepers & Pet Owners: While a PIC is legally mandatory for commercial operations or owners of traditional livestock (even a single sheep, pig, or goat), biosecurity officials strongly urge all backyard bird enthusiasts and pet bird owners to ensure they are registered or have their details updated during this H5 bird flu event to facilitate early detection and communications.
How to Register or Update Your Details
Property and bird registrations are managed online through the state's official agricultural portal:
- Create an Account: Visit the myPIRSA Portal to register as a new user.
- Apply or Renew: Log in, select 'Livestock', and choose 'Renew or Update a Livestock PIC'.
- Submit Information: Fill out your specific property valuation numbers and animal counts. There is no fee to update existing PIC information.
-
Alternative Paper Method: If you cannot access the portal, you can complete a physical PIRSA PIC Registration Application Form and email it directly to
PIRSA.picregistrations@sa.gov.au.
Current SA Biosecurity Measures & Housing Orders
Following the advice of South Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, PIRSA is currently maintaining a voluntary housing recommendation until Friday, 25 September 2026.
All free-range poultry owners—both commercial farms and backyard keepers—are advised to temporarily move their birds indoors or under secure netting where possible. This keeps domestic birds safely isolated from wild migrating shorebirds, which are the primary carriers spreading the H5 virus.
The "Avoid, Record, Report" Directive
If you spot any unusual signs of illness in your backyard flock, or notice dead wild birds near your property, follow the state's directive:
- Avoid: Do not touch or pick up sick or dead birds or wildlife. Keep your pets completely away from them.
- Record: Document everything you see from a distance, noting the date, precise location, number of birds, and any photos or video footage.
- Report: Immediately phone the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For details: https://www.birdflu.sa.gov.au/
0 comments