A Greater Crested Tern found at Bar Beach, Narooma, tested positive to H5 bird flu. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Biosecurity warning signs are going up at Narooma’s Bar Beach after a single Greater Crested Tern tested positive to the deadly H5 bird flu strain.
Australia became the last continent on Earth free from the highly contagious virus until it was detected in a migratory bird in June.
As of 1 pm on Monday (10 August), that number has swelled to 231 confirmed or presumed confirmed detections in wild birds, including 163 cases in South Australia, 10 in Western Australia, 53 in Victoria, one in Queensland and four in New South Wales.
The country has dealt with bird flu outbreaks in the past, but that was with the less contagious and less deadly strain known as H7N1.
A statement from Eurobodalla Shire Council outlined Bar Beach remained open.
“However people visiting areas where biosecurity warning signs are displayed should keep dogs on a lead and keep children within sight,” it advised.
“Additional signs will be installed at other locations if required.”
There haven’t been any confirmed detections in farmed poultry or the wider agricultural industry in NSW, but the virus is known to spread into mammal populations such as seals.
Mass mortalities in Greater Crested Tern populations have previously been recorded at Baudin Rocks, south of Cape Jaffa in South Australia.
BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar described the deaths of more than 45 birds as “a very bleak milestone”.
“We’ve known for a long time that H5 bird flu can cause mass mortality in wildlife, and that’s exactly what appears to be happening to the Greater Crested Terns at Baudin Rocks,” she said.
“These birds nest in colonies so we’re really concerned that the virus is going to be devastating to this local population, but it is also likely to continue spreading to more species.”
Biosecurity signs such as the one pictured will be erected at Bar Beach, Narooma. Photo: Supplied/Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Mayor Mathew Hatcher took to social media to ask people to take the necessary precautions.
“If you come across sick or dead birds, please don’t touch or handle them and report them to the appropriate authorities,” he said.
“Our local wildlife is incredibly important, so it’s important we all stay informed and follow the advice of biosecurity and wildlife authorities.”
Directions to follow include:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment
- Record the date, time, location and take a photo
- Report sick or dead birds or other animals to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is responsible for surveillance of beaches and other areas.
NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the positive cases weren’t unexpected due to the virus spreading in other parts of the country.
“We have been preparing for a situation like this and we remain well equipped to respond to manage further impacts,” she said.
“We are using the best available data and tools to target actions for our most at-risk wildlife species and important natural places.”
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on About Regional.
