Alarming photo sparks concerns over potential new invasive species and health threat in Australia
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Australia is a land renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, but it's also no stranger to the threats posed by invasive species.
A recent photo circulating online has raised alarms about a new potential hazard approaching Australia. The image has sparked a flurry of warnings from authorities, urging vigilance and preparedness among the public.
As concerns grow, officials are closely monitoring the situation to mitigate any risks associated with this developing threat.
A startling image of a tree has triggered warnings about a potential new invasive species threat to Australia.
At first glance, the branches seem laden with leaves, but a closer look reveals they are actually birds.
A photo shared on social media underscores the escalating issue of invasive Indian ringneck parrots in London, where their population has surged to over 50,000, creating competition with native bird species.
One prominent theory suggested that these parrots were released into the wild by owners who panicked over the spread of psittacosis—a disease that emerged in the last century.
The Invasive Species Council is worried that Australia might face similar challenges if public fear escalates over the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza.
This strain has already caused millions of bird and mammal deaths globally and is anticipated to reach Australia this summer.
The federal government has allocated over $100 million to combat the virus, with $10 million dedicated to delivering clear messages about the risks involved.
However, Lyall Grieve, a biosecurity analyst at the Invasive Species Council, has observed a lack of public information and urged authorities to proactively educate pet bird owners.
He advocated for a nationwide, highly visible campaign to prevent owners from releasing their birds due to fears of infection.
‘We’ve just been through the COVID-19 pandemic. And so it can be very scary seeing reports of H5N1 in dairy cows and potentially infecting people overseas,’ Mr Grieve stated.
‘We’ve seen how misinformation about these sorts of stories spreads on social media. It won't take much for people to panic and to release their pets into the wild, causing additional problems in our environment.’
What impact would invasive parrots have on Australia?
The Department of Agriculture (DAFF) assured that it is actively working to ‘prepare and protect the nation’ against the potential arrival of the virus.
‘The work to date includes extensive consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders including states and territories, industry, and health, animal and environmental groups,’ the department said in a statement.
However, Grieve argued that there is a need for more robust public messaging from both the government and the media.
‘If people aren't educated, they don't understand what the risks are and where to go to get advice. It’s easy for them to be scared by the risks of disease,’ he explained.
He also pointed out that some veterinarians have already started refusing to treat birds despite the virus not yet reaching Australia.
Indian ringneck parrots have long been considered a potential environmental threat to Australia. The Queensland government has warned that if released into the wild, these birds have a ‘high risk of pest establishment’.
Similarly, the Victorian government cautions that they could outcompete native species, take over nesting sites, and spread diseases.
‘This species breeds rapidly and can form enormous flocks which, if allowed to establish in Victoria, could have substantial impacts on economically important crops such as barley, sunflower, nuts, peaches and grapes,’ Agriculture Victoria advised.
The Council is also concerned about the Quaker parrot, a species that is legal to keep in some Australian states but banned in several US states, including California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
Is it possible to protect birds from H5N1?
While the risk of H5N1 to humans is very low, there is no cure for infected birds, which must be euthanised.
In Australia, this disease is notifiable and must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.
To reduce the risk of infection, DAFF recommended:
As concerns rise over a new invasive species threat highlighted by a recent photo, experts are also sounding the alarm about the imminent arrival of the H5N1 bird flu in Australia.
The disturbing image of a tree covered in birds has prompted warnings about the impact of invasive Indian ringneck parrots.
Meanwhile, authorities and biosecurity experts are urging Australians to prepare for the potential spread of the deadly H5N1 strain.
Both issues underscore the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect the nation's wildlife and public health from these looming threats.
We invite you, our readers, to share your thoughts and experiences on this issue. Have you noticed an increase in non-native birds in your area? What measures do you think should be taken to protect our native wildlife? Join the conversation below, and let's work together to safeguard Australia's unique biodiversity.
A recent photo circulating online has raised alarms about a new potential hazard approaching Australia. The image has sparked a flurry of warnings from authorities, urging vigilance and preparedness among the public.
As concerns grow, officials are closely monitoring the situation to mitigate any risks associated with this developing threat.
A startling image of a tree has triggered warnings about a potential new invasive species threat to Australia.
At first glance, the branches seem laden with leaves, but a closer look reveals they are actually birds.
A photo shared on social media underscores the escalating issue of invasive Indian ringneck parrots in London, where their population has surged to over 50,000, creating competition with native bird species.
Concerns are rising about the spread of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Australia, potentially worsened by pet owners releasing birds due to misinformation or fear. Credit: Reddit / r/london
One prominent theory suggested that these parrots were released into the wild by owners who panicked over the spread of psittacosis—a disease that emerged in the last century.
The Invasive Species Council is worried that Australia might face similar challenges if public fear escalates over the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza.
This strain has already caused millions of bird and mammal deaths globally and is anticipated to reach Australia this summer.
The federal government has allocated over $100 million to combat the virus, with $10 million dedicated to delivering clear messages about the risks involved.
However, Lyall Grieve, a biosecurity analyst at the Invasive Species Council, has observed a lack of public information and urged authorities to proactively educate pet bird owners.
He advocated for a nationwide, highly visible campaign to prevent owners from releasing their birds due to fears of infection.
‘We’ve just been through the COVID-19 pandemic. And so it can be very scary seeing reports of H5N1 in dairy cows and potentially infecting people overseas,’ Mr Grieve stated.
‘We’ve seen how misinformation about these sorts of stories spreads on social media. It won't take much for people to panic and to release their pets into the wild, causing additional problems in our environment.’
What impact would invasive parrots have on Australia?
The Department of Agriculture (DAFF) assured that it is actively working to ‘prepare and protect the nation’ against the potential arrival of the virus.
‘The work to date includes extensive consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders including states and territories, industry, and health, animal and environmental groups,’ the department said in a statement.
However, Grieve argued that there is a need for more robust public messaging from both the government and the media.
‘If people aren't educated, they don't understand what the risks are and where to go to get advice. It’s easy for them to be scared by the risks of disease,’ he explained.
He also pointed out that some veterinarians have already started refusing to treat birds despite the virus not yet reaching Australia.
Indian ringneck parrots have long been considered a potential environmental threat to Australia. The Queensland government has warned that if released into the wild, these birds have a ‘high risk of pest establishment’.
Similarly, the Victorian government cautions that they could outcompete native species, take over nesting sites, and spread diseases.
‘This species breeds rapidly and can form enormous flocks which, if allowed to establish in Victoria, could have substantial impacts on economically important crops such as barley, sunflower, nuts, peaches and grapes,’ Agriculture Victoria advised.
The Council is also concerned about the Quaker parrot, a species that is legal to keep in some Australian states but banned in several US states, including California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
Is it possible to protect birds from H5N1?
While the risk of H5N1 to humans is very low, there is no cure for infected birds, which must be euthanised.
In Australia, this disease is notifiable and must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.
To reduce the risk of infection, DAFF recommended:
- Preventing wild birds from interacting with pet birds or accessing their food and water.
- Keeping aviaries and equipment clean.
- Washing hands with soap before and after handling birds.
As concerns rise over a new invasive species threat highlighted by a recent photo, experts are also sounding the alarm about the imminent arrival of the H5N1 bird flu in Australia.
The disturbing image of a tree covered in birds has prompted warnings about the impact of invasive Indian ringneck parrots.
Meanwhile, authorities and biosecurity experts are urging Australians to prepare for the potential spread of the deadly H5N1 strain.
Both issues underscore the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect the nation's wildlife and public health from these looming threats.
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