Far south coast of NSW preparing for potential bird flu outbreak in wildlife

The NSW Government is taking action to prepare for a potential wildlife emergency if a dangerous strain of avian influenza reaches Australian shores this spring.

H5N1 is a highly contagious strain which is affecting bird species and some mammals overseas. It has seen mass deaths of wild birds and marine mammals as well as animals that prey or scavenge on birds.

Australia is the only continent that has not yet detected cases of H5N1 avian influenza. But migratory birds pose a risk of introducing it from the north and from Antarctica.

The NSW Government recognises the risk to wildlife, ecosystems, food security, the economy and potentially human health.

Several locations on the far south coast of NSW have been identified as high priority sites for risk assessment and response planning. Work is underway at Barunguba – Montague Island Nature Reserve, which is home to bird and seal colonies.

The island is considered a potential risk from an H5N1 incursion due to the large number of migratory birds arriving to breed over the coming months. Response strategies will also consider the risk to little penguins and fur seals.

If this strain of bird flu arrives in Australia, communities can assist with early detection by reporting what they see. Symptoms of avian influenza usually appear in several or all birds in a flock and include:

• lack of coordination, arched head, paralysis, seizures, tremors
• conjunctivitis, nasal secretions, laboured breathing
• unusual sudden death.

Members of the public and wildlife carers who see dead or symptomatic birds are advised to take the following steps:

AVOID

• Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment.
• Do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.

RECORD

• Record what you see, including the wildlife, location and surrounding area, using video and photographs.

REPORT

• Report any unusual sickness or mass deaths of wild birds (more than five birds) to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The NSW Government is taking a range of actions to prepare for the potential arrival of bird flu. They include:

• The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is working closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) which is the lead agency for an H5N1 outbreak.
• Setting up an H5N1 taskforce with a specific focus on risks, preparedness and response to outbreaks in wildlife. It is working with other agencies and non-governmental organisations including wildlife carers.
• Conducting species risk assessments that identify species most at risk, and then assessing priority locations. They include the Little Penguin colony at Manly in Sydney and offshore islands and estuaries where there are important migratory bird or marine mammal colonies.
• NSW agencies participated in an Australian Government led, all jurisdiction H5N1 preparedness exercise in August. Another exercise is scheduled for September.

The recent outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry in Australia have been the H7 strain not the H5N1 strain of current concern.

Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe:

'Australia is yet to be hit by this dangerous strain of bird flu, but NSW is taking action to prepare for its potential arrival.

'The NSW Government is working closely with experts across government and across state borders to prepare for risks and respond to any outbreaks.

'It is difficult to stop the spread of avian influenza in wild birds, but we are getting the message out now so government agencies, wildlife groups and communities are ready to Avoid, Record, Report.'

Quote attributable to Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

'Our region is home to large wild bird colonies as well as many little penguins and fur seals, and it is important we do all we can to prepare for the potential arrival of this dangerous strain of avian influenza.

'The NSW Government is alert to the risk to both poultry farms and wild bird populations, and I thank the community, industry and wildlife groups for their assistance.'