Bird flu means action for birds ‘more important than ever'

Urgent action to protect Australian birds ‘more important than ever’ following arrival of H5 bird flu

The Federal government has today confirmed that a Brown Skua found at Cape Le Grand National Park in southwest Western Australia has returned a positive result for H5 bird flu (H5N1, highly pathogenic avian influenza). A Giant Petrel found nearby was also tested and returned a suspected positive result.

As this is the first time the virus has been detected on the Australian continent, BirdLife Australia are highly concerned it could lead to an outbreak that spreads through Australian wildlife with serious consequences for threatened and common species. It’s not yet known if the virus has spread to other birds or wildlife within the Australian mainland.

Both birds tested are thought to have migrated to Australia from the sub-Antarctic, where H5N1 is already having devastating impacts on the wildlife of Australia’s Heard Island, including elevated mortality in Gentoo and King Penguins, and the deaths of thousands of seal pups.

Large-scale outbreaks of H5 bird flu (H5N1) have killed millions of wild birds and tens of thousands of mammals around the world. Until now, Australia and New Zealand had remained the last region on Earth free of the virus.

BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar says early detection of H5 bird flu is critical, but it is too soon to know if preparedness efforts have been successful.

“We are expecting that active coordinated surveillance of wild birds at strategic locations across the region will help determine the potential extent of an outbreak. Hopefully, this is an isolated case that has been caught early, but we must prepare for the worst.”

“We all knew this day was coming, and our preparedness as a country will now be tested. I’m concerned that many jurisdictions at the local level simply don’t yet have plans in place to respond to H5 bird flu.”

“We can’t overstate how significant this moment is for Australian wildlife. This virus has devastated wildlife populations overseas. This could be the beginning of a long fight to protect birds and wildlife in Australia.”

“The potential for this virus to kill wildlife in significant numbers means it could be particularly catastrophic for threatened species,” Ms Millar said. “We are talking about possible extinctions, alongside severe impacts to common birds like our beloved pelicans and black swans.”

With the potential for the virus to spread, Ms Millar said national conservation efforts must be elevated to build the resilience of wildlife. “Australia was already in the midst of an extinction crisis. To give birds and wildlife in Australia a fighting chance to survive this thing, it’s essential that we are protecting habitats and working harder to reduce existing threats.”

“BirdLife Australia is calling for a rapid and significant increase in investment to deliver the conservation programs needed and to ensure on-ground preparedness plans are in place. $11.2m for at-risk species is simply not sufficient now that H5 bird flu is here.”

“The expected environmental and economic impacts go hand in hand, so this requires a One-Health approach that protects wildlife, industry and communities together.”

“We’ve provided data and expertise to national preparedness initiatives, including helping to build tools for understanding likely hot spots and susceptible species.”

“We know wetland birds are particularly susceptible to H5 bird flu, so across Australia, it’s more important than ever we protect and restore wetland habitats and do everything we can to bolster the health of our native birds. Australian wildlife and birds are going to need all the help they can get.”

If you find a sick or dead bird that you suspect could have Avian Influenza (H5N1), remember to:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not touch, move or approach the bird, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
• RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video (if possible) without approaching the bird.
• REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

BirdLife Australia is currently calling on the public to urgently support its conservation work to bolster the health of our native birds and give birds a fighting chance in the face of H5 bird flu. Donate today. 

BirdLife Australia media enquiries: Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au