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🇦🇺 Australia /Health & Science

Black swan 'wipe-out' predicted as dead birds reported along WA coast amid bird flu fears

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Western Australia is bracing for more cases of the deadly H5 variant of avian influenza after the first case was detected in a bird near Esperance.
  • At least 16 reports of dead birds have been received along the southern coastline, with samples being collected for testing.
  • Experts warn of catastrophic consequences, particularly for black swans, if the disease spreads, and the poultry industry is preparing for potential impacts.

Western Australia is on alert as more cases of the deadly H5 avian influenza are expected following the detection of the state's first case in a bird found on a remote beach near Esperance. Since Friday, the Department of Primary Industries has recorded at least 16 reports of dead animals along the southern coastline, stretching from Perth to the Cape Le Grand area.

It is a huge stretch of coastline, not very well monitored for the arrival of the disease. It's very unlikely that we would have found patient zero and patient one.

— Aurelie LabbeThe marine ornithologist explained the challenges in detecting the initial cases of bird flu due to the extensive and poorly monitored coastline.

Authorities are collecting samples from carcasses for testing, though it is not yet confirmed if any of the reported deaths are linked to bird flu. Marine ornithologist Aurelie Labbe noted the vastness of the coastline makes monitoring difficult, suggesting that the initial cases may not have been discovered. She warned of potentially "catastrophic" consequences for Australia's native bird populations, which lack immunity to the disease.

Labbe specifically highlighted the significant risk to black swans, predicting a "complete wipe-out" as they have no ability to mount an immune response to the virus. "If they do contract it, they will die. They cannot be saved," she stated.

The things that we're very much expecting the most is a complete wipe-out of the black swans, which have no ability to mount an immune response to the virus when it arrives. If they do contract it, they will die. They cannot be saved.

— Aurelie LabbeLabbe warned about the severe impact avian influenza could have on black swan populations, emphasizing their vulnerability.

The potential spread of avian influenza is also causing anxiety within Australia's $4 billion poultry industry. Measures are being taken at poultry yards, with chickens being examined for signs of infection. Farmers are expressing concern, with some closing farm shops and moving chickens indoors as a precaution, while hoping for the best despite planning for the worst. Several poultry shows have already been canceled across the southern part of the state.

We're lucky they picked it up at an early stage and we will plan for the worst but hope for the best.

— Colin FordA large-scale poultry operation owner expressed concern about the discovery of bird flu but acknowledged the early detection as fortunate.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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