Killer bird flu strain on the brink of invading Australia: ‘It would be horrific’

Aussies are no strangers to the challenges that nature can throw our way.

But there's a new threat on the horizon that could have serious implications for our farmers, wildlife, and potentially our health: the highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as H5N1.

This deadly bird flu strain has already wreaked havoc globally, and now it's knocking on Australia's door.



The H5N1 strain is not just another flu; it's a virulent virus that primarily affects birds but can potentially infect humans.

With the warmer months approaching, bringing with them the migration of wild birds, the risk of H5N1 reaching Australian shores is increasing.


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A deadly bird flu strain is set to invade Australia. Credit: Shutterstock


This comes when egg purchase limits are still in place at major supermarkets across multiple states, and over two million commercial birds have been culled nationwide due to the H7N3 strain.

Farmers are on high alert, with Victorian Farmers Federation Vice President and Egg Producer Danyel Cucinotta expressing grave concerns.

'It would be horrific for the agricultural industry, and it would be horrific for the native wildlife because it won't just be agriculture that gets impacted,' she said.

The potential arrival of H5N1 is not just a problem for those in the agricultural sector. The Invasive Species Council and BirdLife Australia are calling for increased federal funding to protect threatened wildlife.

With only $580,000 currently allocated for early detection and response to H5N1 in Australian wildlife, experts are warning that more than this will be needed to have a meaningful impact.



The upcoming emergency meeting on 18 October, which will bring together state environment and agriculture ministers, is a critical juncture.

BirdLife Australia Chief Executive Kate Millar emphasised the importance of this gathering: 'We need them to recognise that the current allocation of funding for protecting Australia’s birds and other wildlife from this deadly strain of bird flu won’t have any meaningful impact.'

‘This virus is on Australia’s doorstep. When it arrives, the window of opportunity to respond will be short.’

Advocacy Director of the Invasive Species Council, Jack Gough, echoed this sentiment, urging for real commitment and clear national preparation milestones.

The comparison to the $66 million allocated to prepare for African swine flu highlights the disparity in funding and the urgency needed to prevent wildlife deaths and potential extinctions of species.

‘We need real money committed and clear national preparation milestones agreed to which focus on actually reducing wildlife deaths and stopping extinctions of wildlife like Tassie devils, Australian sea lions, black swans,’ Gough said.



The disruption to the supply chain is already being felt, with egg producers struggling to meet demand.

'We actually eat about 19 million eggs a day nationwide,' Cucinotta pointed out.

With over two million birds culled, it could take between six and 18 months for supplies to recover after a single biosecurity outbreak.

The Victorian Farmers Federation is working closely with the state government and has established a working group with the Victorian chief veterinary officer to assess the state's preparedness for H5N1.

This group will review the recent H7 outbreak, identify gaps, and suggest improved response protocols.



Cucinotta stressed that even those with backyard hens have a role to play in the biosecurity chain.

‘People with backyard hens, you have a responsibility in the biosecurity chain as well,’ she said.

‘You absolutely need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of avian influenza and know the animal disease hotline just as much as the person who has 100,000 chickens for commercial production.’

Key Takeaways
  • Farmers and wildlife carers are being warned about the potential arrival of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain in Australia.
  • Over two million commercial birds have been culled nationwide due to H7N3, affecting egg supply and leading to purchase limits at supermarkets.
  • BirdLife Australia and the Invasive Species Council have called for increased federal funding for early detection and response to protect against H5N1.
  • The Victorian Farmers Federation is urging farmers to have a biosecurity plan in place, highlighting the importance of awareness and preparedness among both commercial operators and those with backyard hens.
Are you taking any precautions to protect yourself from potential bird flu exposure? Share them with us in the comments below.
 
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and there are still so many idiot sheep out there walking around with masks wrapped around their brains....
ever thought that they may have a bad cold or the flue and don't want to spread it around other members in our community......I say good for them for regarding others in the community.(y)
 
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How come it only affects chickens and humans and not other birds another covid scam from billyboy gates and his elitist mates
Best you do some research pancho312 before making a fool of yourself.....it can affect our Wildlife like our NATIONAL BIRDS......and may even affect some of our Cats as well if they kill any of our birds with the virus etc. There is more to just chickens.
 
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But even more people are sick of your rubbish.
Why don't you post a copy of your credentials in this subject to back up what you say???
I guess you are the spokesperson for the “even more” people.
Have you done a survey to support your stupid statement?
 
I guess you are the spokesperson for the “even more” people.
Have you done a survey to support your stupid statement?
I don't need to do a survey, I, like the majority of people, choose to take our advice from educated people who know exactly what they are talking about. Not a herd of sheep who follow conspiracy theories put forwarded by a bunch of wackos.
 
The clever Nation doesn't report science backed reporting. Are there ANY investigative journalists anywhere in Australia?/
 
WEF/WHO got it under control. They knew exactly what they were doing... trust the "science"...
 
Do you people actually realise how serious this is if it takes hold in this country.
Complaining about SDC noting it. It has also been reported elsewhere.
You will have something to really complain about if you can't buy any eggs.
If you don't want to read the article and are not interested move on. Easy. I don't recall anything being said about jabs against avian flu and in case you hadn't noticed polio has practically been eliminated except in 3rd world countries where jabs are not used.
Don't you people get tired of coming up with all your conspiracy theories.
Good for you. Wake up people and get your head out of the sand. You will be the first to bitch when you can't buy eggs or chicken meat.
 
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Kmart has a sale on Anko brand tinfoil hats starting Wednesday.

Price is $9.99 for sizes XS to 4XL.

Be quick! Stocks are limited!
You are a muppet
keep being the sheeple that the government wants !! Bend over and obey !
 
These conspiracy theorists don't read scientific journals Vegie because they're already clever enough reading garbage on the internet.
There has always been a section of the community who believe this rubbish and always will be.
God knows why people do this,.but take no notice of the people who actually do have degrees in science, medicine, etc and actually know what they are talking about.
Yep really safe and bloody effective 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂💪
theres some bullshit for ya !
 
How come it only affects chickens and humans and not other birds another covid scam from billyboy gates and his elitist mates
The same group who go on about “climate change” wanting us to not drive cars, eat meat. Just eat bugs and own nothing and be happy while they jet off to Davos in their private jets to plan our futures. And the trafficking! Well that’s coming out now. Wait until people who call out “ conspiracy theorists “ find out what their favourite celebs, pollies and “ others” have been involved in!
 
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