Worst-case preparation urged for bird flu

TASMANIA’S farmers are being advised to remain alert as the risk of H5N1 Avian Influenza looms.

Although Tasmania and Australia are currently free of this deadly strain, experts warn that it is highly likely the virus could reach our shores.

This H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza is most likely to be carried and spread by wild birds migrating along global flight paths, which include routes passing over Tasmania and Australia.

The recent detection of the virus in Antarctica adds a new layer of threat, with potential exposure now coming from the south as well as from South East Asia to the north.

This strain differs from the recent H7 Avian Influenza outbreak in Victoria and New South Wales, which led to multiple chicken farms being quarantined and infected birds culled.

However, if H5N1 were to be detected in Tasmania, a simi lar emergency response would likely be required, including farm quarantines.

Affected farms would need to be isolated, which could devastate farmers.

For this reason, farmers with multiple farming enterprises on one premise need to start planning how they could deal with an outbreak in their flock.

A contingency plan will be an absolute necessity if an out break occurs to manage the risks to other farming operations.

These plans should include measures to separate different farming activities, such as implementing controlled access points and ensuring transportation routes are isolated from poultry operations.

Such preparations can help maintain biosecurity controls and allow farmers to continue other aspects of their work in the event of an outbreak.

Additionally, farmers should prepare for worst-case scenarios, including the complete shutdown of farming operations to contain the virus if necessary.

The threat of H5N1 is not limited to poultry.

It also poses a significant risk to Tasmania’s endangered species, such as Tasmanian devils and wedge tailed eagles, which may feed on infected wild birds.

Recently there were some fears that bird flu had arrived with many wild shearwater birds washing up on Australia’s east ern coastline, however, samples have been taken and were found negative for the H5N1 strain.

For this reason, authorities are urging the public to report any thing unusual or out of the ordinary and urge people not to pick up deceased animals without wearing protective gloves.

Farmers also need to keep a close eye on their flocks and look for any signs of the deadly virus and have all staff trained in good biosecurity practices for ‘when’ or ‘if’ this virus arrives.

They should report anything suspicious to the emergency ani mal disease hotline 1800675888 or visit the Biosecurity Tasmania website.

By staying prepared and vigilant, farmers can help protect their livelihoods and Tasmania’s unique wildlife from this looming threat.