Queensland gears up for a potential bird flu battle as experts urge community involvement in monitoring efforts and preparing for the possible arrival of the H5N1 strain, which has killed millions of birds globally since 2021, with conservationists anxious about its spread to the eastern states and the potential impact on the state's unique bird species, while authorities collaborate on surveillance measures and the poultry industry remains on alert.

Queensland is mobilizing its resources and community networks to prepare for the potential arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain, a virus that has decimated bird populations worldwide since 2021. With five cases already confirmed on Australia's southern coast, conservationists express concern about the virus spreading to the eastern states, where Queensland's rich biodiversity, boasting 15% more bird species than any other jurisdiction, could face the most severe consequences.

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A lot of the special Queensland birds that don't occur anywhere else in the world are bush birds and things like parrots and fairy-wrens, robins.

Hugh Possingham, President of Birdlife Australia and former Queensland chief scientist, has urged the government to leverage the state's extensive network of volunteer bird watchers. He believes these enthusiasts can significantly enhance the early detection of the virus. Possingham highlighted the vulnerability of Queensland's unique bush birds, such as parrots and fairy-wrens, noting that their impact is difficult to predict. However, he anticipates a more visible impact on seabird colonies in the Great Barrier Reef, citing major die-offs observed in similar species in Africa, Europe, and South America.

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To be honest, I don't think anybody has any idea how it's going to affect them.

Possingham emphasized the need for state support to mobilize these volunteers, pointing to the growing popularity of bird watching across Australia. University of Queensland virologist Kirsty Short cautioned that any such initiative would require proper training for volunteers to ensure their safety and prevent further infection spread. The Queensland government has confirmed that biosecurity officers are working with wildlife carers, veterinarians, and community groups to bolster bird surveillance and has measures in place for a swift response should the virus be detected.

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All those Great Barrier Reef islands have huge seabird colonies. So that's the place where we may see the big visual impact of the disease.