Aldred and Council urge vigilance as bird flu reaches Phillip Island
The Monash MP and Bass Coast Shire Council are urging people to avoid sick or dead wildlife as vaccinations for the island's little penguins near
FEDERAL Member for Monash Mary Aldred has called for every reasonable measure to be taken to protect Phillip Island’s little penguins after H5 bird flu was confirmed in wild birds on the island.
The State Government announced on Wednesday morning that doses had arrived at Phillip Island and were ready to be administered early next week, pending final regulatory approvals.
More than 5000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda are expected to be vaccinated under the program.
It follows the Commonwealth’s announcement on Tuesday that Australia had secured an initial 1500 vials of H5 vaccine, with captive species to be prioritised.
New cases have been confirmed at Phillip Island, Mildura, Warrnambool, Hamilton, St Andrews Beach and Hawkesdale, predominantly in greater crested terns.
There have been no detections in little penguins in Victoria or Australia to date.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ms Aldred said the vaccination program should be backed in full.
“The growing threat of H5 avian influenza to Victoria’s wild bird populations is a serious concern, particularly for vulnerable colonies such as Phillip Island’s little penguins,” Ms Aldred said.
“The penguins are an iconic part of Phillip Island, deeply valued by locals and visitors alike, and this development brings home the seriousness of the biosecurity challenge Australia is now facing.”
“Every reasonable and evidence-based measure to protect this important colony should be pursued.”
Ms Aldred said she was in Canberra this week for briefings with scientists, immunisation experts, veterinarians and biosecurity officials, and was working with Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester.
“Experts have made clear that H5 cannot be eradicated from wild bird populations,” she said.
“Our focus therefore has to be on doing everything we reasonably can to contain its spread, minimise its impact and, critically, protect Australia’s commercial poultry flocks.”
“Our poultry and egg producers work incredibly hard and deserve to know that every practical step is being taken to protect their birds, their businesses and their livelihoods,” Ms Aldred said.
“Australia must remain vigilant and ensure those responsible for protecting our borders, monitoring the disease and responding to outbreaks have the resources and capability they need.”
“We all want the same outcome of protecting our wildlife, our farmers, our agricultural industries and Australia’s hard-earned reputation as a trusted producer of high-quality food.”
Australia had 236 confirmed detections as at Tuesday night, none in poultry.
Bass Coast Shire Council is working with Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water and Agriculture Victoria on the response.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Tessari said the detection was not the news the shire wanted.
“Our wildlife is iconic; from our world-famous little penguins, our seal colony, and our short-tailed shearwaters, Phillip Island is home to them all, and our community is closely connected to the coast and these animals,” Cr Tessari said.
“You might see signs in public places, like our beaches, advising that a dead bird or animal has been reported.”
“Early reporting gives everyone the best possible chance to monitor the spread and minimise impacts.”
“If you see something concerning, avoid it and report it.”
Cr Tessari said the island was open for business.
“While we all have a role to play in responding to this outbreak, I do want to stress that Phillip Island and Bass Coast remain open for business,” he said.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to showcase the incredible natural beauty, attractions and experiences that make Bass Coast such a special place to visit.”
Phillip Island Nature Parks chief executive Catherine Basterfield said the program was believed to be the world’s largest vaccination effort involving wild birds.
The risk to human health remains very low, but residents and visitors are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, including birds and marine mammals.
Signs in birds include sudden death, lack of coordination, tremors, difficulty standing or flying, respiratory symptoms, swelling around the eyes or head, and unusual behaviour.
Clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds should be reported, along with any single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal such as a seal or dolphin.
Poultry owners are urged to review their biosecurity, limiting contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, keeping facilities clean and practising good hygiene when handling birds or eggs.
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.
