Bird flu precautions are now stepping up in several states after three cases were detected across two states.
Western Australia reported the first two cases with a third one just reported in South Australia.
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In NSW, surveillance and biosecurity precautions are increasing as the state government dedicates more resources.
No cases have been detected in the state so far, the state government says.
An H5 bird flu call centre has been set up at Orange and surveillance training carried out for more than 380 veterinarians and Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field staff.
The Orange centre will co-ordinate the state’s surveillance and response as webinars and workshops held for field staff and veterinarians focus on hands-on skills including roles, reporting, sampling and PPE.
BIRD FLU PRECAUTIONS
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says they are “doing everything possible to keep H5 out of NSW” to protect their primary industries sector.
“We delivered more than 50 briefings and workshops to key agricultural and wildlife stakeholders … we are using the best available data to target actions for our most at-risk wildlife species and important natural places,” she says.
Moriarty says they are also willing to help WA with its cases to help contain the virus.
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe says they are setting up mapping tools, systems and response databases for rapid, evidence-based action during a wildlife outbreak.
“While the current incursion has only been confirmed in two birds, eradication or containment of H5 bird flu in wildlife is unlikely to be possible if it becomes established in wildlife populations,” she says.
“We continue to ask the community to AVOID, RECORD and REPORT any unusual signs of illness or deaths of multiple birds, especially on the coastline, so we can manage any incursion quickly.”
NSW PLANS
- The NSW Department of Environment has detailed wildlife plans for 34 priority sites and response plans for vulnerable species like little penguins and fur seals.
- Extra resources have allocated to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
- NSW Health advises that the risk to humans remains low.
- If unusual deaths or illness in wild birds are observed, please AVOID contact, RECORD by taking photos or video and
REPORT immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Source: NSW Government.
TASMANIA’S ‘WATCHING’
Tasmanian Jeremy Rockliff says there has been no case detected in his state but they remain vigilant.
“Our government is monitoring the situation and receiving regular briefings from national bodies, as well as state agencies,” he says.
“While it has not reached Tasmania, we are not being complacent. Tasmania stands ready to enact a whole-of-government approach should it be required.”
State Minister for Primary Industries Gavin Pearce, says the protection of primary producers is critical.
“The threat of H5 to Tasmania has been active for some time now; state agencies have been working diligently with stakeholders to prepare for the expected arrival of the disease,” he says.
“We stand ready to support our farmers and fishers to ensure our agricultural and aquacultural sectors are shielded from the impacts that the flu can bring as much as possible.
“If it makes its way to Tasmania, we are ready.”
For more about avian influenza, visit birdflu.gov.au
TWO WA CASES
The first case was detected in a wild brown skua seabird found in the remote Cape Le Grand area, east of Esperance, last week.
The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) confirmed the detection of the highly infectious bird flu in a sub-Antarctic bird species rarely found on the WA south coast.
It says the test results show the virus strain came from Southern Indian Ocean Sub-Antarctic Territories (including Heard Island).
A sick giant petrel found in the area was also confirmed positive for H5 bird flu in the second case.
So far, there have been no cases found in poultry, the state government says.
WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis says Anyone who sees sick or dead birds or marine mammals should not handle them but record them and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
“We are very grateful to the wildlife carer at Esperance who followed our biosecurity protocols to report the sick brown skua and facilitate the testing for H5 bird flu so we can respond quickly,” she says.
The WA Government also issued the following steps to take including keep pets away from wildlife:
- Prevent cats from roaming and keep dogs on leads in wildlife areas.
- If you own or work with birds, prevent wild birds from mingling with them or allowing them access to feed and water.
- Keep pens, aviaries, feeders and equipment clean.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling birds.
- Monitor birds for signs of disease or sudden deaths.
QUEENSLAND PLANNING
On June 3, the Queensland Government gave $25,000 in biosecurity grant funding to NRM Regions Queensland to help them simulate a bird flu outbreak and test their response capabilities.
NRM Regions Queensland chief executive officer, Chris Norman, said at the time that the money will improve biosecurity awareness and response capability.
“These exercises are a great opportunity for the NRM team across the state to simulate real-world scenarios and ensure we’re prepared to assist on any biosecurity threats where we can,” he said.
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