Today the ACT Government has called for a national meeting to align preparedness across state and territory borders for the potential arrival of H5N1 bird flu in Australia.
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said national leadership was needed to align environment and agriculture departments planning to respond to any possible detections of the H5 strain of bird flu, which has caused mass deaths of wild birds and marine animals overseas.
"Unlike the strain of bird flu that we've seen infect local poultry industries, Australia is the only continent in the world to date which has not had any detection of the H5N1 strain. Given the threat this could pose to our precious ecosystems, we must ensure we are fully prepared to respond," Minister Vassarotti said.
"At the moment, local ecosystems at a heightened risk with the potential for migratory birds to introduce the virus from the northern hemisphere or Antarctica, where it has had a devastating impact already.
"I have written to the Federal Environment and Agriculture Ministers requesting that the Australian Government arrange a joint meeting with all state and territory governments to strengthen and align our preparations for a potential H5N1 avian influenza incursion.
"Given the unique nature of H5N1, it is unclear whether or not existing national biosecurity response and funding mechanisms will be triggered, or be adequate to support states and territories to properly respond.
"Environment departments have a unique and essential role to play in preparing for and responding to H5N1 bird flu, given the critical threat it poses to Australian wildlife.
"I would welcome national leadership from Minister Plibersek and Minister Collins to facilitate planning with the states and territories across environmental and agricultural portfolios, and ensure there are functional coordination and funding mechanisms to deliver a full response.
"As both Environment and Agriculture Minister in the ACT, I have asked the directorate responsible for biosecurity planning and operations to enhance preparedness work for a H5 incursion as a priority over the coming months.
"The ACT Government's biosecurity team already monitors disease in wild birds through monthly environmental testing to assist in early detection of the avian influenza virus," said Minister Vassarotti.
Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease which means any suspected or confirmed cases must be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For updates on the response to the H7 strain of avian influenza across Australia visit outbreak.gov.au, and for more ACT specific information and how to protect your birds, visit the ACT Environment website.
