A Greater Crested Tern found dead in Warriewood has tested positive for Bird Flu. The bird was confirmed to have contracted H5 bird flu via laboratory testing undertaken on 28 August, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. It is the first known case of the fast-spreading virus on the Northern Beaches. There are currently 468 confirmed events in Australia.
Globally, the spread of H5 avian influenza has caused mass mortality in hundreds of millions of wild birds and poultry and has expanded into over 100 mammal species.
It mainly affects birds but can also infect other animals. Overseas, the H5 strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and some mammals. Cats and dogs can sometimes get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To reduce the risk, keep pets away from sick or dead birds and other wildlife.
Just last week the government announced plans to prioritise vaccination of Manly’s Little Penguin colony among a small number of endangered birds in the hope of protecting the vulnerable population from extinction. The colony will be among the first birds in the state to receive an H5 bird flu vaccination, though its efficacy is completely unknown.
For now, the vaccine is registered for use in rare and endangered species only, with biosecurity being shared as the most effective preventive measure. People with pet birds or backyard chooks are being told to have plans in place to protect those birds and to stop any risk of spread.
“If you’ve got backyard chooks, we’re asking you to make sure that you keep their food clean and under shelter, and keep their water clean and under shelter. Some people who are out in the regions might be using dam water for their backyard chooks. Please don’t do that for the moment. Use clean water. It’s about protecting them from the interaction with wild birds,” said Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty last week.
If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals showing signs of bird flu, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
