Biosecurity Lead urges caution as bird flu arrives in Australia

After several years of worried waiting, the highly pathogenic strain of H5 avian influenza (bird flu) has arrived in Australia with the first positive case confirmed by CSIRO in a brown skua in Western Australia on Friday. Since then, a giant petrel in WA has also been confirmed to be infected with the virus.

This highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 was first detected in 2021. Since then, it has led to mass mortality events in birds and sea mammals across the world, although mainland Australia had remained free of the virus until now.

NRM Regions Australia’s Biosecurity Lead Justin Bellanger has urged regional NRM staff and their community partners to exercise extreme caution in any encounters with unwell or diseased birds or animals in Western Australia or across the country.

“Regional NRM staff and their partners are used to getting in there and helping wherever there is a need, but everyone needs to engage with the state agency that is responsible for H5N1 in the first instance. This is a case where uncontrolled actions, however well intentioned, could make the circumstances worse for the environment and individuals.”

“If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals remember to Avoid, Record and Report. Do not touch them or let domestic pets touch or eat them. Record what you see, including taking photos or video, and leave the area. Then report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline – 1800 675 888. It’s the best chance we have of managing the spread to limit the impact”

NRM Regions Australia CEO Marnie Lassen has also urged the sector to be aware of their wellbeing and to seek support as needed. 

“While only a limited number of sick birds have been found so far, we know that we could be in for a distressing time. NRM staff, conservationists, landholders, and communities right across the country value our unique bird and wildlife immensely, and I know there will be a lot of worried people right now. Farmers, particularly poultry farmers, will also be very concerned about the risks and ongoing uncertainty that the incursion brings. We urge the community to reach out to their usual support networks as needed, and also to mental health support services such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline and ifarmwell.

“What we do know is that continuing to do our important work across Australia to protect and rebuild healthy landscapes and habitats can help support and buffer vulnerable species against the worst impacts of disease incursions.” 

“We also know that continuing land restoration work can support recovery and help individuals and communities build resilience to the impact of natural disasters,” Marnie said.

Regional NRM organisations across Australia frequently participate in biosecurity efforts, both in active pest, weed, and disease management, but also as eyes and ears on the ground to be frontline spotters for new incursions. 

NRM Regions Australia hosted a ‘Be prepared, not scared’ workshop at the National NRM Knowledge Conference in Cairns last year, where participants took part in a mock-response to a serious mortality event in the field, learned how to ‘don and doff’ protective clothing appropriate to a bird flu outbreak, and learned about the best ways to support wildlife during emergency biosecurity situations. 

The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is currently leading on-ground bird flu response activities, with the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) supporting national coordination.

To report sick or dead birds contact the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. 

For more information visit: birdflu.gov.au