The bird flu has found its way to Queensland with the first suspected case reported on Moreton Island, Brisbane.
A dead petrel found washed up on the island had returned a suspected positive result for the H5 bird flu, Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett says.
The petrel will be tested again by the CSIRO for confirmation.
The government says that, so far, no cases have been found in native birds or poultry nor have there been any signs of large-scale animal deaths.
“The risk to human health remains unchanged. It is safe to continue to eat chicken meat or eggs,” he says.
Perrett says the government will liaise with, and support, the poultry industry as it strengthens precautions.
Australia’s first case of the H5 flu virus was reported on June 20 in Western Australia with more cases found in wild seabirds in South Australia and New South Wales.
Qld’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Allison Crook, says the detection was expected and the government is prepared.
“We have known that a H5 bird flu detection in Queensland was a matter of when, not if,” she says.
“We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant,” Dr Crook said.
According to the federal government, there are 17 confirmed cases: 10 in WA, five in SA and two in NSW.
WHAT TO DO NATIONWIDE: If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, avoid contact, keep children and pets away, record what you see, and report immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. For more information about the virus, visit birdflu.gov.au
BIRD FLU IN NSW
NSW last week reported a second confirmed case in a wild giant petrel found by a person on Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest.
No signs have been detected in commercial poultry, the NSW Government says.
Acting Minister for Agriculture Yasmin Catley says “H5 has not been detected in native birds or commercial poultry flocks in NSW” to date.
“The government has been preparing for a situation like this and we remain well equipped to manage further impacts,” she says.
A State Co-Ordination Centre has been operating since June and they are liaising with the Commonwealth.
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe says the case “was not unexpected” given the location.
“We are continuing to work closely with (other) governments plus industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations. The risk to human health remains low,” she says.
EARLIER STORY: First cases results in states stepping up precautions
