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🇦🇺 Australia /Health & Science

SA government hotline 'failed' by advising dead bird collection amid bird flu risk

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Citizen scientists in South Australia claim they were wrongly advised by a government hotline to collect a dead bird, potentially exposing them to bird flu.
  • The advice contradicted official messaging that urges people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds due to the risk of H5N1.
  • Officials are investigating the report, stating that only one case of bird flu has been recorded in South Australia.

Citizen scientists in South Australia report receiving potentially dangerous advice from the government's Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. Susan Belperio and Johanna Williams discovered a dead pied cormorant at Glenelg beach and called the hotline, only to be told to collect the bird. This instruction directly conflicts with official government messaging, which emphasizes avoiding contact with sick or dead birds due to the risk of H5N1 bird flu.

The mantra is AVOID (don't get close and keep dogs away); RECORD (which is what we did from a safe distance); and REPORT (to EAD Hotline 1800 675 888).

— Dr. Susan BelperioQuoting the official advice for handling sick or dead birds, contrasting it with the hotline's instruction.

"The mantra is AVOID (don't get close and keep dogs away); RECORD (which is what we did from a safe distance); and REPORT (to EAD Hotline 1800 675 888)," Dr. Belperio wrote on social media, criticizing the hotline's failure. She noted that she had to inform the hotline staff member that bird flu had already been detected in South Australia and that the official guidance was to avoid contact. Belperio questioned the effectiveness of the government's preparedness spending, asking, "where has the money gone?"

Unfortunately this state government funded 24 hour hotline FAILED in spectacular fashion this morning.

— Susan BelperioExpressing disappointment with the government hotline's advice.

Williams expressed concern about the threat posed by bird flu, stating, "We're facing quite a severe and significant threat and we really can't afford to be on the back foot with this, we really need to be proactive." She emphasized the need to prevent the spread and protect remaining wildlife, calling it "really precious."

We're facing quite a severe and significant threat and we really can't afford to be on the back foot with this, we really need to be proactive.

— Johanna WilliamsHighlighting the seriousness of the bird flu threat and the need for proactive measures.

South Australia's Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven confirmed that the state has recorded only one case of bird flu. She stated that reports of incorrect information being provided were being investigated. "They haven't been able to identify a staff member giving incorrect advice, but of course, we are continuing to look into that," Scriven said, adding that ensuring correct advice is given is paramount.

I was advised yesterday through a media report that there had apparently been some wrong information given on the Thursday, I immediately asked PIRSA [Department of Primary Industries and Regions] to investigate that.

— Clare ScrivenMinister for Primary Industries confirming an investigation into the reported incorrect advice.
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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