Tasmanians urged to remain vigilant as H5 bird flu case confirmed

The Tasmanian Government is urging Tasmanians to remain vigilant and report sick or dead birds and wildlife following a positive detection of H5 Bird Flu.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) responded to a suspected case after being alerted to the carcass of a Brown Skua by staff from the Parks and Wildlife Service who have been undertaking active surveillance of our coastal areas.

Following testing completed overnight, it has been confirmed the Skua is positive for H5 Bird Flu.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said Tasmania had been preparing for the arrival of H5 Bird Flu for some time and was ready to respond.

"Although we’ve had a positive detection, I want to be clear that there is no evidence of an outbreak and there is no detection in commercial poultry at this time,” Minister Pearce said.

“We’ve been working closely with industry, wildlife and biosecurity experts to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response arrangements across the state.

"I want to reassure Tasmanians that we are prepared to respond to H5 Bird Flu, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”

To date, we have:

• Developed an Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response Plan as well as a range of other planning documents to aid our response to this challenge;
• Worked with the commercial poultry sector to assist them in the development of biosecurity preparedness plans and ensuring that they are ready to activate those plans;
• Delivered education sessions for veterinarians and wildlife care providers;
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• Worked with Local Government on awareness, reporting and carcass disposal;
• Invested in decontamination units, remote piloted aircraft, mobile truck wash facilities and a range of other important infrastructure assets to aid in the response;
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• Undertaken emergency scenario planning for bird flu;
• Completed aerial surveys of more than 980km of Tasmania’s coastline, along the West Coast, King Island, and islands in the Furneaux Group, as well as Tasmanian islands that are home to seal and seabird colonies;
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• Delivered a public messaging campaign across social media, radio, airports and Service Tasmania;
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• Worked with the Federal Government to develop protection plans for at-risk species, including the Orange-bellied parrot, Tasmanian devil, Shy albatross, Short-tailed shearwater, Furneaux white-fronted tern, Fairy and little tern, Australian and long-nosed fur seal, and Australasian gannet; and
• Invested in additional protective measures, including specialised shade cloth infrastructure for the Orange-bellied parrot captive breeding program.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Guy Barnett, said we know Tasmanians love their animals.

“A H5 Bird Flu outbreak will be distressing for the community,” Minister Barnett said.

“We have been preparing for the risk of a mass mortality event by working closely with the Federal Government to deliver protection plans for species considered most at risk.

“This includes the Orange-bellied parrot, Tasmanian devil, Shy albatross, Short-tailed shearwater, Furneaux white-fronted tern, Fairy and little tern, Australian and long-nosed fur seal, and Australasian gannet.

“There is no way to prevent new strains of bird flu entering or spreading through Tasmania with wild and migratory birds.

“The most important thing people can do is remain vigilant and report sick or dead birds and wildlife immediately.”

For poultry owners, biosecurity remains key. Keep your birds separated from wild birds, protect feed and water sources from contamination, and monitor your birds for signs of illness.

Early detection and strong biosecurity are our best defences and will help protect Tasmania's unique wildlife and poultry industries.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife:

AVOID contact.

RECORD what you see - the type of animal, the number of animals, the location and take photos or video.

REPORT by calling the Emergency Animal Disease hotline as soon as possible on 1800 675 888 or through the  online reporting form.

More information on how to spot and report bird flu and help prevent disease spread is at www.nre.tas.gov.au/BirdFlu