Greater crested terns have been found infected with H5 bird flu within Australia. Photo: Gregg Yan/Creative Commons.
Cape York residents have been urged to stay alert after migratory seabirds suffering from a deadly strain of bird flu were found across the country for the first time, including in Queensland.
The H5 bird flu (avian influenza) strain has been spread by wild birds across the world since 2021 and has killed millions of animals. Infections in people are rare, but can be severe.
Cape York Natural Resource Management (NRM) has issued a statement and noted early detection matters.
It comes as the Commonwealth has been working with the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) to target invasive rats with specialised bait drones to combat a potential outbreak in the western Torres Strait.
“While Cape York NRM staff are not responsible for diagnosing or managing H5 bird flu, we play an important role in supporting early detection, surveillance and reporting,” the not-for-profit said.
“As part of Queensland’s network of 12 regional NRM organisations, our team is on the ground every day and well placed to identify unusual wild bird deaths and report suspected cases through the appropriate channels, helping strengthen Australia’s biosecurity preparedness.
“If you come across sick or dead wild birds remember: avoid, contact and record. Avoid handling sick or dead birds. Record what you see, including the location and number of birds affected.”
Cook Shire Council also issued a warning and asked residents to “stay vigilant for sick or dead wild birds”.
It was confirmed on Thursday (30 July) there were “no known cases in Cook Shire”, which is the Cape’s largest local government area. The shire covers more than 100,000 square kilometres and about 80 per cent of the Cape York Peninsula.
“As part of ongoing surveillance, please remain vigilant and report any sick or dead wild birds. Reporting suspected cases helps authorities monitor bird health and respond quickly should the disease be detected locally,” the council states.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is the lead federal agency coordinating the national H5 bird flu response.
On Wednesday morning, the country had recorded 27 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in wild seabirds. Only one case was reported in Queensland, while 14 emerged in Western Australia, 14 in South Australia and two cases in New South Wales.
The disease has not been detected in farmed poultry or the wider agriculture industry and there is no evidence of any large-scale bird deaths, the government has advised.
The Consultative Committee for Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD) – a coordinating body linking industry, the Federal Government, and state and territory governments – has reviewed advice and backed heightened poultry biosecurity measures for up to two weeks while guidance plans are finalised.
Work has been underway to eradicate black rats on Deliverance Island (Warul Kawa) to help migratory bird populations resist H5 bird flu. Photo: TSRA.
Non-mandatory protection measures have been recommended, including housing free-range poultry where practical.
State and territory governments have been tasked with surveillance and response activities.
The Queensland Government has activated emergency arrangements and surveillance has been underway to determine the extent of the infection in wildlife.
“Poultry farmers, bird owners, bird fanciers and wild bird carers and watchers should be aware of this disease and remain vigilant for any unusual disease occurrence,” an alert reads.
“Do not handle sick or dead birds without suitable protective clothing and equipment (face mask, gloves).”
The risk to human health is low, but sick or dead wild birds or wildlife should be avoided.
Symptoms in birds include sudden death, loss of coordination, swimming in circles, twisted necks, inability to stand or fly, as well as difficulty breathing.
Anyone who suspects bird flu in any species of animal must phone the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 to make a report.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced funding for traditional owners, represented by the Maluilgal Registered Native Title Body Corporate, to eradicate rats by using drones to place baits across Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island).
Warul Kawa is a key resting point for migratory birds, including the Pacific golden plover and iconic little tern.
Australia was the only continent free of H5 bird flu at the time and Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the steps were being taken “to bolster native bird populations, so they are more resilient if it arrives”.
