A community meeting will be held in Esperance today (7 July) to share an update on Western Australia's response to the detection of H5 bird flu in three migratory seabirds in the area.
A community meeting will be held in Esperance today (7 July) to share an update on Western Australia's response to the detection of H5 bird flu in three migratory seabirds in the area.
The gathering at the Esperance Civic Centre at 5.30pm is an opportunity to hear about local on-ground surveillance and response activities led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
This includes on-water observations by DPIRD and patrols by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) officers along the south coast.
DPIRD has deployed two vessels to monitor priority areas and surrounding islands.
Drones are also being used as part of the surveillance effort for improved visibility of wildlife.
On-water surveillance patrols undertaken over the past few days have included Figure of Eight, Observatory, Cull, Thomas and Charlie islands.
Officers viewed a range of wildlife including bird species, fur seals and sea lions with all reported to appear healthy with no abnormal behaviour or mortalities observed.
The H5 bird flu response is being coordinated across multiple levels of government, involving joint efforts from DPIRD, DBCA, local governments and other State agencies.
Divisional commands have been established in the South West and South Coast.
Training and information continue to be delivered to local government, veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators to safely retrieve sick or dead birds.
DPIRD Deputy Director General Biosecurity and Emergency Management Mia Carbon thanked the Esperance community for its ongoing vigilance and support of the H5 bird flu response.
"The community has played an integral role in the past month on the front line of our biosecurity response," Dr Carbon said.
"At this stage, there is no evidence the virus has spread beyond the individual migratory birds but we ask the community to be alert and follow advice about reporting sick or dead animals to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline.
"As with any biosecurity response, the community is a vital partner and our Local Command Centre on the ground will continue to liaise closely with the Esperance community."
There have been more than 1100 reports from WA to the EAD hotline since Friday 19 June. Of these reports, 186 have been prioritised by DPIRD for further investigation or testing based on the risk of H5 bird flu.
To date, a total of 73 negative test results has been recorded across the State.
Anyone who sees sick or dead birds or marine mammals should AVOID and not handle the animals but RECORD and take photos or a video and REPORT to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
More information is available at the Australian Government's Bird flu (Avian influenza) website .
