A posting on this site almost 2 years ago suggested that although not in Australia at that time, H5N1, a virulent strain of Bird Flu was surely going to come. Well, it is here. Three days ago, the Australian Government announced, “a detection of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza was confirmed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in single Brown Skua in Western Australia.” Further sick and dead birds are being tested at this time.
While migratory seabirds, other waterbird species and domestic poultry are the most significant natural carriers of the virus, it can spread virulently through other avian species and mammals.
Sick or dead birds, particularly waterbirds – swans, ducks, etc., raptors, gulls, terns, etc. – should be reported as quickly as possible.
Birdlife Australia has a useful H5 Bird Flu FAQ page (being updated) worth perusing.
No comments:
Post a Comment