- National meeting of agriculture and environment ministers focuses on H5 bird flu
- Situation continues to evolve, with recent local transmissions in South Australian wildlife
- Cook Government working closely with federal, state and territory counterparts
The CookLabor Government participated in a national meeting on Friday of federal, state and territory agriculture and environment ministers to discuss the ongoing H5 bird flu situation.
This week, evidence of local transmission was identified among Australian greater crested terns in South Australia.
Following this development, the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases confirmed that eradication of H5 bird flu in wildlife is not technically feasible.
With the potential for further spread, nationally agreed arrangements have been put in place to support ongoing response efforts focused on minimising impacts on wildlife, animal and human health, communities and agricultural industries.
At Friday's meeting, attended by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn, ministers committed to continuing to work closely as the nation adapts to the evolving situation.
Currently, in WA there is no evidence of any large-scale deaths in wildlife, nor any evidence of infection in poultry or in our agricultural production system.
Over the past two months, there has been targeted engagement with the poultry industry, local government, veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators, alongside proactive activities including increased surveillance and investigations, and PPE distribution to major wildlife care organisations.
Preparedness for the next phase of the response is also underway, with operational arrangements being stood up across the State.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is working closely with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), federal agencies and other stakeholders to share operational updates and expertise.
The advice to the public continues to be Avoid, Record and Report suspected cases of bird flu. The Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline is 1800 675 888.
Western Australians can keep up to date on developments by visiting: wa.gov.au/birdflu
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"There have been more than 2,400 reports to the WA Emergency Animal Disease Hotline since 19 June, and I thank Western Australians for their continued vigilance.
"Anyone who sees sick or dead birds or marine mammals should AVOID contact with them, including not handling the birds or animals. They should then RECORD what they have seen by taking photos or a video. Finally they should REPORT what they have seen to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
"While not every report will result in birds needing to be collected or tested, every report plays an important role in helping understand what is happening in the environment."
As stated by the Acting Agriculture and Food Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Evidence of local transmission in South Australia is concerning, but it is not unexpected given the way H5 bird flu has spread overseas.
"Western Australia has been preparing for the potential arrival and spread of this virus, and our surveillance, testing and response activities are continuing across the State.
"Protecting Western Australia's unique wildlife and our poultry industry remains our priority, and we will continue working closely with the Commonwealth, industry and wildlife experts as the situation evolves."
