Bird flu pop-up in Cowes as cases reach Seal Rocks
Drop in at Berninneit on Friday to put your questions to State Government staff as the state total climbs to 60 detections in wild birds
ISLANDERS with questions about bird flu can put them to State Government staff at a drop-in session in Cowes tomorrow.
The community pop-up runs from 11am to 1.30pm on Friday August 14 at Berninneit on Thompson Avenue and is open to anyone wanting to talk through the recent detections on Phillip Island.
It follows confirmation that H5 bird flu has reached Seal Rocks, with the virus found in greater crested terns.
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed seven further cases at Phillip Island, Mildura, Warrnambool, Hamilton, Hawkesdale and St Andrews Beach, taking the state total to 60.
Victoria’s chief biodiversity officer James Todd said the spread into new parts of the state was significant but had been anticipated.
“These detections show us that the virus is continuing to move through wild bird populations, and its ability to move across large regions,” Mr Todd said.
“We know many Victorians are concerned about potential impacts on Phillip Island’s little penguin population.”
“There have been no detections in penguins anywhere in Australia, including Victoria, and the situation is being closely monitored.”
“Together with Phillip Island Nature Parks and wildlife experts, we have been preparing for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu through response planning, biosecurity measures and conservation programs, and that preparation is now supporting our response.”
“We know it is distressing to see sick or dead wildlife, especially in coastal communities that have a strong connection to their local environment.”
Mr Todd said the department was continuing to work with Phillip Island Nature Parks on surveillance and on protecting at-risk species and locations, both on the island and in other regions with recent detections.
There have been no detections in poultry or livestock.
A housing requirement for owners with 50 or more birds was introduced last Friday across coastal and southern local government areas as a precaution while the situation develops.
Community members are asked to avoid touching sick or dead wildlife wherever possible and to keep pets away from animals and carcasses.
People who see something are asked to record the location, the species and the number of animals affected before reporting it.
Reports can be made through the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
