State and national bodies are on high alert after the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu was detected for the first time on the Australian mainland in Western Australia, according to a statement from the Tasmanian government. While the virus has not yet been found in Tasmania, authorities say its arrival is expected.
The global H5N1 strain has caused widespread death in bird and marine mammal populations overseas, as reported by the ABC. The virus has already had a devastating impact on an Australian external territory, with Australian Antarctic Program scientists estimating it killed more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups on Heard Island.
According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas), the flu is expected to arrive via migratory birds. The department has a response plan in place and is working with wildlife rescue groups and other agencies to prepare for a potential outbreak.
Local marine life, including the popular southern elephant seal known as Neil, is considered vulnerable. Dr. Lauren Roman, a seabird researcher at the University of Tasmania, told Scimex that Tasmania’s large breeding populations of fur seals have been devastated by the virus in other parts of the world. A federal government analysis identified Australian fur seals as being at very high risk.
The virus spreads through direct contact between animals and with contaminated materials. While the immediate risk to the general public is low, University of Tasmania’s Dr. Jane Younger told the ABC that people should not touch sick or dead seals or birds. Instead, any sightings of five or more sick or dead wild animals should be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has stated that Tasmania has strong measures in place and is ready to enact a whole-of-government response if the virus is detected in the state.
More information on this story is available from ABC News.