Deadly Bird Flu Spreads to Queensland: Second Case Confirmed as Experts Warn of ‘Mass Bird Deaths’ and Threat to $1 Billion Poultry Industry
- A second case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in Queensland, sparking fears of a potential outbreak that could devastate the state’s multi-million-dollar poultry sector.
- A wild shearwater found dead on Castaways Beach on the Sunshine Coast has tested positive for the disease, prompting calls for the public to report any sick or dead wild birds.
- Experts warn that mass bird deaths, like those seen in southern states, are possible in Queensland, with vulnerable bird species being identified for vaccination.
- The confirmation comes as Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett assures parliament that protecting the state’s poultry sector is the government’s top priority.
The Sunshine Coast has become the latest hotspot in Queensland’s growing bird flu crisis, with a second case of H5 avian flu confirmed in the state.
A dead wild shearwater found on Castaways Beach has tested positive for the disease, sparking fears of a potential outbreak that could have disastrous consequences for the state’s multi-million-dollar poultry industry.
According to Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook, the shearwater was one of over 3,000 reports of sick birds made by the public to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
“A member of the public saw this dead bird and immediately reported it,” Dr Crook said.
The bird was part of Queensland’s enhanced H5 bird flu surveillance program, which has been ramped up in response to the growing threat of the disease.
Queensland’s first case of H5 bird flu was recorded on Moreton Island in late July, but so far, there is no current detection of the disease in poultry, nor evidence of large-scale deaths in the state.
However, Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer Rachel Chay warned that mass bird deaths could occur as the migratory seasons continue.
“We do have to be prepared that as the migratory seasons continue, both this year and in the coming years, that we may see mass events in Queensland,” Dr Chay said.
Across Australia, there have been confirmed detections of bird flu in most states, with South Australia experiencing at least three mass mortality events in wild birds and a confirmed detection of the disease in a marine mammal.
The Queensland government is urging people to report any sick or dead wild birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The confirmation of a second case of H5 bird flu in Queensland has significant implications for the state’s poultry industry, which is worth over $1 billion annually.
If the disease were to spread to commercial poultry farms, it could have devastating consequences for the industry and the state’s economy. “Protecting the state’s multi-million-dollar poultry sector is the government’s top priority,” Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett told parliament.
Security analysts say that the spread of bird flu to Queensland highlights the need for enhanced biosecurity measures to prevent the disease from spreading to commercial poultry farms.
“The government needs to take immediate action to strengthen biosecurity protocols and prevent the spread of the disease,” said one analyst.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the spread of bird flu also poses a risk to public health, particularly for people who come into contact with infected birds.
“The public needs to be aware of the risks and take precautions to avoid contact with sick or dead birds,” said one insider.
Industry observers believe that the spread of bird flu to Queensland could also have significant economic consequences for the state’s agricultural sector. “The impact on the poultry industry could be severe, with potential losses running into millions of dollars,” said one observer.
The DPI has an Incident Management Team that is responding to the current case and will prioritise heightened surveillance and regular public communication.
Vulnerable bird species that are “suitable” to be vaccinated are being identified, but Dr Chay warned that these birds would need to be vaccinated twice, requiring either captivity or recapture for a second vaccination.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Queensland government is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead wild birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
bird flu outbreak poultry industry Australian Bureau of Statistics Department of Primary Industries
