AFTA have sought additional guidance from DAFF on how fishers should/shouldn’t handle/interact with any sick or dead birds if they come across them, given the advice to the general public is to not touch them.
Current situation
- A wild brown skua was found sick on an isolated beach in a national park on Western Australia’s southern coast and later died while being cared for in isolation.
- The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness confirmed the bird tested positive for the H5 bird flu strain circulating internationally (clade 2.3.4.4b).
- A giant petrel found in the same region, has also tested positive for suspected H5 bird flu, with confirmatory testing underway.
- These species are migratory seabirds and occasionally visit southern Australia. This is the same strain detected in the subantarctic regions.
Key messages for industry stakeholders
International trade
- While Australia is required to notify the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of this H5 detection, the detection in wild birds does not change Australia’s current HPAI freedom status and we remain free from HPAI in poultry in accordance with the WOAH.
- As such, there are currently no trade restrictions for any animals or animal products for export out of Australia.
- The Australian Government is closely monitoring the situation and has measures in place to respond and provide necessary assurances to trading partners if required.
Production
- There have been no detections of H5 bird flu in Australian poultry and there is no impact on Australian poultry or egg production.
- Poultry producers are reminded that on-farm biosecurity practices are crucial to protect the health of their flocks.
- It remains very early in this current situation and good biosecurity practices remain critical for all industries potentially affected by H5 bird flu including poultry, cattle, pig, sheep and goat industries.
Market supply and public health
- There are no current impacts to production and consumers should continue to purchase eggs and poultry as normal.
- Bird flu is not a food safety concern and it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked chicken meat, eggs, and egg products. There is no evidence to show the virus can be transmitted to people through properly prepared food. (Animal diseases, human health and food safety | Food Standards Australia New Zealand)
- In Australia there is a low risk of people becoming infected with avian influenza viruses through normal contact with healthy birds. (Bird flu (avian influenza) | Australian Centre for Disease Control)
What’s being done
- The Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has responded swiftly to the detection and is coordinating response activities on the ground, including enhanced surveillance, working closely with industry, veterinarians, wildlife carers and local communities. (WA DPIRD Avian Influenza Website)
- National coordination is being led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Regular updates will be made available at gov.au.
- The Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases met on 20 June to discuss the detection and response activities. This meeting involves all jurisdictions, and poultry and egg industry representatives.
- The Australian Government has committed more than $113 million to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability for a potential incursion.
Further information
- The situation remains dynamic and the Australian Government will provide updates on the current situation at gov.au.
- H5 bird flu is a nationally notifiable animal disease and must be reported immediately. If you suspect an emergency animal disease like H5 bird flu, call the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888.