Australian vets warn of mass bird euthanasia amid flu crisis

The veterinary industry in Australia is warning of a grim scenario where they may be forced to euthanize numerous wild birds, despite potentially being able to save them. This difficult decision stems from a lack of funding and appropriate facilities to manage the escalating H5 bird flu crisis.

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Last year I think we had 140 birds through our clinic and I think in the last few weeks we've had 20 to 30 alone.

The highly contagious virus has now been detected in all Australian states, with only the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory yet to report cases. In response to the threat to other animals, including domestic pets, some veterinary practices have implemented a blanket ban on treating injured or sick wild birds, even those not showing avian influenza symptoms.

Mish Simpson, a veterinarian at a wildlife clinic in Adelaide's Onkaparinga Hills, has already witnessed a surge in cases. Her clinic treated around 140 birds throughout the previous year, but has seen 20 to 30 birds in just the last few weeks. She anticipates being overwhelmed with "hundreds" of wild birds during the upcoming spring breeding season, as more animals are likely to suffer injuries from incidents like car strikes or fires.

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Birds that we see every day in high numbers may disappear … for more vulnerable species it could wipe out the entire population.

Simpson emphasizes the critical need to conserve bird populations, which are at risk of severe decline from the deadly virus. "Birds that we see every day in high numbers may disappear... for more vulnerable species it could wipe out the entire population," she stated. Her clinic has resorted to creating temporary, isolated treatment spaces using tents, a gazebo, and a loaned transportable building, often at their own expense or through donations.

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Unfortunately euthanasia may be the most logical outcome, even if it is an otherwise recoverable injury or if it's just a bird that needs short-term care.

Without additional support to meet the growing demand, Simpson fears they will face the "devastating" reality of euthanasing animals that could have otherwise recovered. The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has requested $7.5 million in federal funding over four years to aid vets in the crisis, but this appeal has so far gone unanswered. Simpson highlighted the existing mental health crisis within the profession, noting that euthanasing savable birds would exacerbate this strain, especially without government assistance.

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The vet industry is in crisis … the government's aware of that and this is only going to push it over the edge.