Tasmania braces for bird flu arrival as mainland cases rise

Tasmania is on high alert for the H5 bird flu, a deadly strain that has spread across the globe, killing millions of wild birds and mammals and severely impacting poultry industries. While the virus has appeared in wild seabirds in all Australian jurisdictions except Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory, authorities anticipate its eventual arrival.

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Sadly, we do know that once the H5 bird flu is spreading in wildlife and the natural environment, it is not possible to avoid significant losses, which is what we're starting to see now.

Australia has recorded its first mass mortality event involving greater crested terns at Baudin Rocks, South Australia. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins acknowledged this as a disappointing development, stating that significant losses are unavoidable once the virus circulates in wildlife. Tasmania's Chief Veterinary Officer, Deborah McSweyn, confirmed that the probability of the virus reaching the island state increases with interstate cases, as it will likely be carried by wild birds.

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It is not possible to prevent it from coming to Tasmania as it will be carried here in wild birds.

Tasmanian officials are actively preparing for the virus's arrival. Jason Jacobi, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, stated that an incident management team is working around the clock. He emphasized the need for a calm and measured response, urging readiness for potential challenges. Jacobi suspects the virus will first appear along the coast, carried by birds migrating from remote islands, potentially affecting species like crested terns and petrels.

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We all need to remain calm, our response needs to be measured, we cannot afford to catastrophise this, but we all need to be ready for the fact that it will be hard.

To bolster preparedness, a four-week drone surveillance program of Tasmania's coastline is underway, supported by on-ground patrols. Authorities stress the importance of public cooperation, asking residents to report any sightings of sick or dead birds. Jacobi advised avoiding contact with affected animals and keeping pets away. He requested that people use their phones or other devices to record the bird's condition and location for identification and reporting. McSweyn noted that symptoms can include erratic swimming, respiratory distress, inability to stand, and swelling, but warned that some infected birds may show no outward signs of illness.

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Avoid any contact, stay well away from the bird and keep your pets well away.