Campaign Director, Laurie Levy today called on Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to act responsibly and cancel the 2025 recreational duck shooting season, citing the severe risk of spreading the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus.
"Australia remains the only continent to have avoided the H5N1 strain of avian influenza to date. However, the virus is reportedly devastating penguins and other species in Antarctica. With migratory birds continuing to arrive from both the northern hemisphere and Antarctica, the risk to Australian wildlife and agricultural industries is unprecedented.
"Duck shooters and rescuers handling dead and possibly contaminated birds on Victoria's wetlands would only further spread the virus," Levy explained. "It will also be difficult for rescuers to distinguish between birds wounded by gunfire and those suffering from bird flu, as the symptoms can be similar."
Disturbances caused by shooting and rescue activities on wetlands would exacerbate the spread of the virus, potentially wiping out entire species. The October 2024 Eastern Australia Waterbird Aerial Survey by the University of NSW reveals that five of the eight species classified as "game" ducks already show significant long-term population declines.
"While human infections have so far been rare, overseas reports indicate that the virus could mutate, posing a threat to humans," Levy warned.
"Despite the risks, the Coalition rescuers will continue to help wounded shot waterbirds on the wetlands if the season proceeds, and all dead birds would be displayed outside the Premier's office.
"A duck shooting season is simply not worth the risk," Levy concluded.
Key Facts:
Campaign Director, Laurie Levy today called on Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to act responsibly and cancel the 2025 recreational duck shooting season, citing the severe risk of spreading the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus.
