As spring begins to unfold, fears that bird flu might come knocking on Tasmania’s doorstep increase. Alice Carson, one of Australia’s most qualified and dedicated wildlife carers, recently expressed her anger. She was given misleading information from a government department about risks related to the H5 strain of bird flu. Carson’s worries stem from the noticeable absence of clear communication regarding the virus’s potential impact on local wildlife and public health.
The Tasmanian state government is taking proactive measures in advance of the anticipated arrival of these migratory birds that could introduce the virus. To address this problem, the nonprofit organization has fired up a $15 million statewide public education effort. Specifically, it hopes to raise residents’ awareness of bird flu and risks that it poses. Carson thinks these steps fall short.
Conflicting Information and Growing Concerns
Alice Carson’s experience is sadly a common story indicative of a larger pattern of poor communication by the Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Yet, she has gotten contradicting information on the risk of avian influenza. This lack of consistency leaves her questioning whether or not officials are actually addressing the situation in good faith.
“Advice will vary based on the specifics of the situation provided by the caller,” – Biosecurity Tasmania spokesperson.
Carson goes on to recommend immediate and short-term action to reduce risk. She suggests putting up warning signs on Tasmanian beaches, where migratory birds are expected to stop.
“Every access point to a beach should have signage and we have a lot of beaches,” – Alice Carson.
She further emphasizes the need for targeted placements of these signs, stating, “We should be able to home in and not install the signs everywhere, but just put them where we know the birds are going to come to.”
The Government’s Preparedness
In line with increasing community anxiety, the government of Tasmania has launched a $600,000 education campaign. Ms Wilson, Acting Secretary of Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, recognised the threat posed by invasive migratory birds. These birds are coming from areas that have been hit hard by bird flu.
“What we do know is that it is in other continents and we’re undertaking active surveillance to ensure that we do pick it up, if it arrives on our shores,” – Deidre Wilson.
The Tasmanian government is still reluctant to make any predictions about when the H5 strain will arrive. Wilson noted that there’s currently no sign of the strain in Tasmania. Whatever the case, scientists are closely watching as it may arrive.
Dr. Jane Younger, a prominent researcher in the field of avian diseases, highlighted the importance of informing the public about managing bird flu risks during this critical season.
“In our risk assessment work that we’ve done before, we’ve highlighted that the spring season — when all the birds return from overseas — poses a really high-risk window for the virus to arrive,” – Jane Younger.
The Broader Implications of Bird Flu
The threats from bird flu go much farther than wildlife, as seen in several cases from other countries. In the United States, at least 28 dairy cows have contracted the virus. This outbreak has sickened dozens of affected dairy workers. This further highlights the prospect of cross-species transmission and importantly, why vigilance is so critical.
The highly pathogenic H5 strain of bird flu has yet to be detected in Tasmania. As migratory birds such as shearwaters and bar-tailed godwits fly from outbreak areas in Russia and North America, it remains a great impending menace.
Dr. Younger warned of the potential for bird flu to reach Australia from southern regions as well, emphasizing that “the virus could potentially be arriving with these long-distance migratory shore and sea birds right now.”
As scientists continue their research into whether the H5 strain has reached Heard Island, a remote Australian sub-Antarctic territory, testing will not be conclusive until samples return with the RSV Nuyina in mid-November.
“We haven’t seen that happen, which is wonderful. But there is also the potential now that the virus could reach Australia from the south,” – Jane Younger.
