Canberra bird owners are "trying not to panic" as the first cases of a deadly strain of avian flu are reported in Western Australia and South Australia.
Several wild sea birds have tested positive to the deadly H5 strain of avian flu in the past month, the first time the strain has been detected in Australia.
The Canberra Queanbeyan Poultry Club secretary Kerrie Moore-Thistleton, who owns about 80 exhibition birds, said many fowl owners were on edge as more flu cases were reported in western states.
"Everyone's obviously trying not to panic," she said.
"It's a little bit scary ... everyone thinks, 'They're just poultry', but I mean, there's decades of work into the [breeding] lines that people have got."
The highly contagious avian flu strain, which can spread to humans in certain situations, has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and affected mammals overseas, according to the federal Department of Agriculture.
Infected birds may be unable to walk, stand or fly, appear more lethargic than normal, or have breathing issues.
RSPCA ACT chief executive Michelle Robertson said the animal shelter, which houses several roosters and pigeons, was already operating with strict biosecurity measures.
"[Biosecurity is] not new, this obviously heightens it, because the risks are just much, much higher," she said.
"It's just really important, if you notice [any symptoms], to call your vet, don't delay, just act quickly."
An ACT government spokesperson confirmed the new strain had not been detected in the territory, but said directorates were working with the federal government and other states and territories to strengthen national planning and preparedness.
"There are currently no plans to implement broad quarantine zones or mandatory testing in the ACT, as these measures may only apply if an outbreak is confirmed," the spokesperson said.
"The ACT government is taking a precautionary approach and remains vigilant, with strong surveillance and response systems in place."
The Canberra Queanbeyan Poultry Club show was cancelled in 2024 after an outbreak of avian flu in Belconnen forced quarantine measures across the north of the ACT.
About 170,000 birds had to be euthanised at the Pace Farms facility in MacGregor after the animals tested positive to an avian flu strain.
Ms Moore-Thistleton said the poultry club would be monitoring the situation ahead of an upcoming bird show in August 2026.
The club has about 10 regular members, and welcomes up to 600 birds to their shows.
"We're just asking people to stop the free-ranging ... doing the preventative measures, obviously, trying to stop the wild birds from accessing inside the pens, and keeping everyone covered and keep wild birds away from the food and water sources that you've got for your animals," Ms Moore-Thistleton said.
"Everyone knows what their bird's characteristics are like, so just monitor for any changes, any signs of lethargy or anything out of the ordinary."
