Bird flu threat to Far South Coast

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View Subscription OffersBega District News' complete view of propertyHome/Newsletters/Editors Pick ListBird flu threat to Far South CoastBy Ben SmythUpdated September 9 2024 - 10:27am, first

published 10:26amBy Ben SmythUpdated September 9 2024 - 10:27am, first published 10:26amFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopy The potential widespread threat of bird flu was a topic of concern

raised during a recent visit to Bega by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe.

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperAll other regional websites in your areaContinue Ms Sharpe visited Bega and Tathra on Friday and Saturday,

September 6-7, to meet with several groups related to the minister's portfolios of climate change, energy, the environment and heritage.

Among the discussions held, the dangers of avian influenza were raised, and its potential threat to the Far South Coast.

Ms Sharpe said the NSW government was taking "strong steps" to prepare for a potential wildlife emergency if a dangerous strain of avian influenza reached Australian shores this spring.

H5N1 was a highly contagious strain that was affecting bird species and some mammals overseas.

It has seen mass deaths of wild birds and marine mammals as well as animals that prey or scavenge on birds.

Bega MP Michael Holland and NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe at Tathra Wharf on Saturday morning, September 7. Picture supplied "Australia is yet to be hit by this dangerous

strain of bird flu, but NSW is taking action to prepare for its potential arrival," Ms Sharpe said.

"It is difficult to stop the spread of avian influenza in wild birds, but we want to get the message out now so that governments, wildlife groups and community can be ready.

"The NSW government is working closely with experts across government and across state borders to prepare for risks and respond to outbreaks, which we hope won't happen."

Bega MP Michael Holland and NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe at Tathra Wharf on Saturday morning, September 7. Picture suppliedFar South Coast a priority location Australia is

the only continent that has not yet detected cases of H5N1 avia influenza. But migratory birds pose a risk of introducing it from the north and from Antarctica.

Ms Sharpe said several locations on the Far South Coast had been identified as high priority sites for risk assessment and response planning.

She said work was underway at Barunguba-Montague Island Nature Reserve, which is home to bird and seal colonies.

The island is considered a potential risk from an H5N1 incursion due to the large number of migratory birds arriving to breed over the coming months.

Response strategies will also consider the risk to little penguins and fur seals.

Member for Bega Michael Holland said it was important to do all we can "to prepare for the potential arrival of this dangerous strain of avian influenza".

"The NSW government is alert to the risk to both poultry farms and wild bird populations, and I thank the community, industry and wildlife groups for their assistance."

What can you do? While the H5N1 strain has not yet arrived in Australia, communities can assist with early detection by recording and reporting what they see.

Symptoms of avian influenza usually appear in several or all birds in a flock, including:

lack of coordination, arched head, paralysis, seizures, tremors;conjunctivitis, nasal secretions, laboured breathing; orunusual sudden death. Members of the public and wildlife carers who

see dead birds or birds with these symptoms are advised to:

Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment.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

and/or video of the animal and the surrounding area.Report any unusual sickness or mass deaths of wild birds (more than five birds) via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

(24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 for advice and if necessary, collection of birds for testing.ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyBen

SmythEditorI have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Batemans Bay and NaroomaI have worked as a journalist

since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Batemans Bay and NaroomaNewsletters & AlertsView all Daily

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