A body that advises on critical animal diseases has recommended states and territories encourage free-range producers to keep their birds indoors where practical, in an effort to reduce contact with wild birds and protect commercial poultry from H5N1 bird flu.
The Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) issued the advice today after meeting yesterday.
In a statement, the committee said the move was a “time-limited approach” and the advice would be reviewed in two weeks.
“Poultry producers are reminded that on-farm biosecurity practices are crucial to protect the health of their flocks,” the statement read.
Testing underway
There are six confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in Australia: four in Western Australia, one in South Australia, and one confirmed by NSW authorities on Saturday evening.
A giant petrel was found sick with bird flu on a beach near Esperance in Western Australia. (Supplied: Lori-Ann Shibish/Esperance Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary)
One more suspected case in a giant petrel found in Western Australia is still under investigation.
The first-known bird flu case in Australia was in June in a brown skua seabird found at a beach in Western Australia.
Planning ahead
H5N1 avian influenza, or H5 bird flu, is a viral disease affecting birds across the world.
It differs from other avian influenza strains because it has caused mass mortalities in poultry and wild birds, as well as mammals, particularly marine mammals.
All Australian detections of the virus have involved migratory seabirds, but the concern is that the virus could spread across species.
The advice for free-range egg producers will be reviewed in two weeks. (ABC News: Morgan Timms)
Charles Sturt University veterinary epidemiologist Jennifer Manyweathers said even if suspected case of H5 bird flu in NSW came back negative, it should not lead to complacency.
“If it’s not now, then it will come,” she said.
“So there are things that we can be doing, making sure that we’ve got a plan in place.”
Concerns about spread
Dr Manyweathers said the virus was not just a threat to commercial birds such as poultry, but also native fauna.
“In Australia, our beautiful native species have never been exposed to this [virus] before, so they will have not have a lot of immunity to the disease,” she said.
“It’s very hard to vaccinate them. We may see mass die-outs, mass deaths in some of our wild species.”
Jennifer Manyweathers says people need to be prepared for cases of bird flu in NSW. (Supplied: Jennifer Manyweathers)
The virus has been shown to spread into mammals, including seals and domestic animals like dogs and cats.
Dr Manyweathers said people could help reduce transmission by ensuring their pets did not touch dead birds.
“People walking their dogs on a lead is really important about this time, so that their dogs aren’t running ahead and then rolling in this dead bird before you can even get hold of the dog.”
Risk to humans low
While the risk to human health is low, people can become infected and transmit the virus.
Dr Manyweathers said members of the public who found a sick bird should steer clear and notify authorities immediately.
All Australian detections of the virus have involved migratory seabirds, but the virus can spread across species. (ABC Mid North Coast: Claire Simmonds)
“Don’t touch it and don’t move it, because that’s the contact, because we’re susceptible hosts as well,” she said.
“If you’re out walking your dogs and they lick you, then wash your hands.
“Don’t eat until you’ve washed your hands, don’t wipe your face.
“These are normal sorts of hygiene stuff, but we have to just be a little bit more careful in the same way that if you’re looking after someone who’s sick with flu.”
