By now you will most likely have heard the news that H5N1 bird flu has been detected in Australia, and as Barry Howlett from SSAA Victoria stated to the Herald Sun “we are alert to the risk, but not alarmed”.
This is also a call to action for our SSAA members, because as a lot of you are frequently outdoors, you can help.
As explained in media reporting, this is a serious strain of bird flu that has been circulating globally and has now been detected in Western Australia and South Australia.
At the moment there have been “detections” of this flu strain in Australia in migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.
In basic terms this means that the strain of flu has been confirmed in wild birds that have migrated to Australia, but infections between animals, in either wild or livestock/domestic birds (e.g. chicken farms) have not yet been identified.
SSAA members can help by reporting any dead or sick birds or animals you see that are showing signs of bird flu .
If you observe birds/animals with these symptoms, make sure you do the following:
- Avoid contact.
- Record what you see and your location.
- Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low, and more information can be found about this at: Australian Centre for Disease Control and Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
Further information is also available about the H5N1 bird flu from the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry.