Killer bird flu strain on the brink of invading Australia: ‘It would be horrific’
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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.
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.’
Are you taking any precautions to protect yourself from potential bird flu exposure? Share them with us in the comments below.
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.
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.’
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