The Threat of Avian Flu: A Growing Concern for Australia’s Wildlife
- Howard Priestley
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Peel Inlet is classified as a wetland of global significance, because as Rachel Olsen of WA Seabird Rescue explained, it attracts migratory birds from as far away as Asia, Siberia and Antarctica. Unfortunately, this means that it is a potential hotspot for the importation of the dangerous highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza that is currently sweeping the planet. The H5N1 strain is particularly virulent and now present in every landmass, including Antarctica, apart from Australia and New Zealand.
WA Seabird Rescue works closely with Mandurah Wildlife and both are on the front line of this potentially dangerous epidemic. Rachel said that the distance that birds must travel affords Australia some protection as birds that have contracted the disease are usually too sick to complete the journey But this is no reason for complacency. Rachel explained that there is a period when birds are asymptomatic and she suspects that infected bigger species birds may well have the stamina to get to Australian shores with the potential to spread the disease.
Elsewhere in the world, the H5N1 strain has decimated wildlife populations and infected domestic livestock and, in some instances, infected humans. Earlier this year, in the US, 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets were culled after the detection of bird flu.
Many species in Australia are endemic only to this continent and little is known as to how they will respond to an outbreak. It has been established that the emblematic Black Swans have little or no resistance to the disease. This was established in the UK where an imported Black Swan was exposed and died as a result.
In Australia the Department of Primary Industries and Rural Development (DPIRD) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) are working with academic institutions such as Murdoch University to develop preparedness.
Mandurah Wildlife is attending sessions to understand what it needs to do protect its staff and resident fauna. Clearly, it will need to establish strict quarantine and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procedures.
How does one recognise a bird or animal is infected by this dangerous strain? Not easy, says Rachel, because many of the symptoms are like botulism – a seasonal event. There is however one identifying feature and that is neurological symptoms such as a tick – a random and erratic head movement.
If you suspect that you come across a diseased bird you should call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888. Do not handle sick or dead birds. If you find multiple dead birds take photos or videos and record your location.
