The Albanese Labor Government has invested $7 million dollars to focus on managing the H5 HPAI virus.
“HPAI is something that the government is taking very seriously and preparing for, including through Exercise Volare,” the Minister of Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said.
“The coming spring bird migration from the northern hemisphere is a particularly dangerous time, with the experience overseas has been devastating for birds and mammals like seals,
“We’re working overtime to ensure that Australia is prepared for the risks to our wildlife – and particularly our vulnerable threatened species – are managed as best as possible.”
According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Avian Influenza virus also commonly known as the ‘Bird Flu’ is an infectious disease that is classified in different subtype strains and between ‘low pathogenicity’ (LPAI) and ‘high pathogenicity’ (HPAI), which are usually determined on the disease’s ability to cause an effect in many species of wild birds, poultry, non-avian wildlife and on rare occasions, humans.
Earlier this year, outbreaks of the HPAI H7N8 virus was detected at the Hawkesbury poultry farm in NSW, which impacted the egg stocks in major supermarkets, such as Coles and Woolworths, and which saw the culling of almost two million chickens nationwide.
Since June, shoppers across Australia have been struggling with purchasing eggs since the low stock of free-range egg production declined over the winter months, with experts warning that warmer spring weather is expected to boost egg production and ease the shortage.
Sydney resident Michael Hoskins, who considers himself a ‘bird lover’ and owns domesticated pigeons, is one of many who is working to prevent the spread of the avian flu,
“The avian flu is certainly considered contagious to all avian species, but the only way my flock could become infected would be if I allowed my birds to linger outside their loft. Luckily I designed and built it so it’s safe from wild dove poop and mice,” Mr Hoskins said.
Australian residents should keep in mind that each state and territory has their own list of ‘notifiable’ animal diseases, as it is a legal requirement to report or notify any suspected sick animal to their nearest or local animal health authority.
