Tasmanian H5 Bird Flu response

The Tasmanian Government continues to monitor H5 Bird Flu which has now reached Australian shores after being detected in Western Australia.

There has been no detection of H5 Bird Flu in Tasmania.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said now is the time for calm.

“The detection of H5 Bird Flu in Western Australia has triggered a national response,” the Premier said.

“Our Government is monitoring the situation and receiving regular briefings from national bodies, as well as state agencies.

“While it has not reached Tasmania, we are not being complacent.

“Tasmania stands ready to enact a whole-of-government approach should it be required, and we have strong measures in place that can help us to safeguard our State.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said protecting primary producers was a critical focus.

“The threat of H5 bird flu to Tasmania has been active for some time now, and state agencies have been working diligently with a range of stakeholders to prepare for the expected arrival of the disease,” Minister Pearce said.

“We stand ready to support our farmers and fishers to ensure our agricultural and aquacultural sectors are shielded from the impacts that bird flu can bring as much as possible.

“Australia has well-established national response arrangements in place to respond to emergency animal diseases such as bird flu and Tasmania is prepared to deploy a whole-of-government response immediately, if required.

“If it makes its way to Tasmania, we are ready.”

Information about bird flu, how it is detected and what Tasmanians can do to prevent further spread is available at birdflu.gov.au.