Concerns have been raised by a leading conservation group that fish farms in Storm Bay could become a centre for the spread of avian influenza, ABC News has reported.

The report on Thursday attributed the warning to the chair of Birdlife Tasmania, Mark Holdsworth, who expressed fears that seabirds congregating around aquaculture operations could amplify the virus.

This comes as Tasmanian authorities are on high alert following the recent detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain in wild birds in Western Australia — the first time the globally circulating strain has been confirmed in Australia. While the virus has not been detected in Tasmania, the state government has confirmed it is preparing for its expected arrival.

According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas), the H5N1 strain has caused widespread death in birds and marine mammals overseas since 2021 and is expected to reach Tasmania through migratory wild birds. The virus can spread quickly through bird-to-bird contact or contact with contaminated materials like water and manure.

In a media release on Tuesday, Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said state agencies have been working with stakeholders, including the aquaculture sector, to prepare. “We stand ready to support our farmers and fishers to ensure our agricultural and aquacultural sectors are shielded from the impacts that bird flu can bring as much as possible,” Mr Pearce stated.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said that while the virus had not reached Tasmania, “we are not being complacent.”

The potential arrival of the virus poses a significant risk to native wildlife. ABC News has reported that experts are concerned for species like the Tasmanian devil, which could be exposed while scavenging infected carcasses, and endangered birds such as the orange-bellied parrot.

NRE Tas has advised the public not to touch sick or dead animals. Instead, any sightings of five or more sick or dead birds or other wildlife should be immediately reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The original ABC News report featuring the comments from Birdlife Tasmania can be heard on the ABC Listen app.