Wild sea bird brings bird flu to Queensland shores

By Sheree Hoddinett  

Bird flu has been detected in Queensland, a month after the disease first found its way to Australian shores on the other side of the country.   

While thankfully not on Bribie Island, the Sunshine State has recorded one confirmed case of the H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu). A deceased migratory seabird (a petrel) was discovered on Moreton Island on July 18. The positive result for H5 bird flu was later confirmed by the CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. 

Australia’s first case of H5 bird flu was reported on June 20 in Western Australia, with further detections in wild seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. There remain no detections in poultry, nor evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals in Queensland. The community is being urged to continue to report sick or dead wild birds. 

Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer Allison Crook said the suspect positive detection was expected and Queensland is well prepared for the next steps. 

“We have known that a H5 bird flu detection in Queensland was a matter of when, not if,” Dr Crook said. “The Queensland Government is well prepared to respond. This suspect positive result has not impacted our poultry sector or domestic wildlife. “We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant.” 

People are encouraged not to touch any sick or dead wild birds or wildlife no matter where they discover them.  

“If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, avoid contact, keep children and pets away, record what you see and report immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888,” Dr Crook said.  

Current status and safety Wildlife only: The virus has only been found in a single wild seabird. There are no detections in domestic poultry or commercial farms in Queensland. 

Locations: The single confirmed Queensland case is from Moreton Island. (Australia currently has more than 100 confirmed detections nationwide, primarily in wild seabirds in South Australia and Western Australia – information correct as of August 5).  

Food safety: Eggs and chicken meat remain completely safe to eat. 

Human risk: The risk to human health is low. 

Things to remember!! 

DO NOT TOUCH: Avoid touching any sick or dead wild birds. 

KEEP PETS AWAY: Keep pets and children away from any deceased wildlife. 

REPORT SIGHTINGS: If you find sick or dead wild birds, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. 

The situation is being heavily managed across the state with regular updates and guidelines.  

For all the latest information, visit www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/alerts/avian-influenza 

Keep up-to-date with the latest national numbers at www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu.