Tasmania Braces for Bird Flu as Poultry Industry Warns of 'Catastrophic' Risk

The state government says it is prepared for the expected arrival of a deadly H5N1 bird flu strain, with producers ramping up biosecurity to avoid potential flock euthanasia.

Tasmanian poultry producers are on high alert and increasing biosecurity measures as a deadly strain of bird flu, H5N1, has been detected in Australia for the first time. The strain was confirmed in wild birds in Western Australia, prompting Tasmanian authorities to ready their response.

In a media release on Tuesday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said there has been no detection of H5 bird flu in Tasmania but that the government is not complacent. “Tasmania stands ready to enact a whole-of-government approach should it be required, and we have strong measures in place that can help us to safeguard our State,” Mr Rockliff stated.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said that state agencies have been preparing for the disease’s expected arrival for some time and are ready to support farmers. “Australia has well-established national response arrangements in place to respond to emergency animal diseases such as bird flu and Tasmania is prepared to deploy a whole-of-government response immediately, if required,” Minister Pearce said.

According to reporting from ABC News, an outbreak would be “catastrophic for Tasmania”. The ABC reported that if a commercial poultry operation contracts the virus, euthanasia of the flock is “definitely possible”.

This was echoed by Mt Roland Eggs producer Phil Glover, who told the Tasmanian Country that if bird flu reached his property, all his poultry would likely have to be euthanised, which would shut down his business until he could rebuild stock. Mr Glover said a worst-case scenario would be an outbreak at a large egg business, which would be a “pretty big blow to the state” for food security.

Biosecurity Tasmania General Manager, Rae Burrows, told the Tasmanian Country that the decision to euthanise infected flocks would be made on a case-by-case basis.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) advises all poultry owners, including those with backyard chickens, to take simple hygiene steps to protect their flocks. Key measures include preventing wild birds from accessing the food and water supply for domestic birds and keeping equipment clean.

NRE Tas has also asked the public to report any sightings of large numbers (more than five) of sick or dead birds or other wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.