The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) is responding to H5 bird flu detections.
Tasmania has been preparing for the arrival of H5 bird flu, working with other government agencies, stakeholders and the community, and is well prepared to respond.
NRE Tas will expand planned surveillance, including King and Flinders islands. This will include further wildlife monitoring, sample collection and risk assessment activities.
Tasmania has a robust biosecurity system but it is not possible to stop infected wildlife from entering Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Avian Influenza Readiness and Response Plan sets out how NRE Tas will respond to an outbreak of H5 bird flu, and how you can prepare.
In the event of an outbreak, our response will also be guided by the Animal Health Australia AUSVETPLAN response strategy for avian influenza. AUSVETPLAN contains the nationally agreed approach for responding to emergency animal disease incidents in Australia.
Tasmania is also actively advancing vaccination for captive Orange-bellied Parrots as an additional protection measure for this endangered species however vaccination is not practical for most wild bird populations.
There is no approved vaccine in Australia for backyard, domestic or commercial poultry and birds. There is also no vaccine available for seals, dolphins and Tasmanian devils. The Australian Government is working to make new vaccines available and ensure they are safe for use.
What you can do
People are asked to remain alert for signs of bird flu.
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife:
AVOID contact.
RECORD what you see - the type of animal, the number of animals, the location and take photos or video.
REPORT by calling the Emergency Animal Disease hotline as soon as possible on 1800 675 888 or through the online reporting form.
Symptoms in birds include swimming in circles, coughing and sneezing, inability to stand or fly, twisted neck, swelling in the head, neck and eyes, and change of colour or cloudiness in the eyes. Some birds may die suddenly without symptoms.
In other animals, bird flu can cause seizures, tremors and lack of coordination, breathing problems, and a runny nose and drooling.
Keep pets away from wildlife, including preventing cats from roaming and keeping dogs on leads in wildlife areas.
When going to and from national parks, reserves or farms, clean your footwear, clothing and vehicle to help prevent spreading diseases between places.
If you own, care for, or work with birds or chickens, you should:
Make sure wild birds cannot access the same food and water supply as your birds.
Don’t use water from sources wild birds also use.
Keep your infrastructure and equipment clean.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling birds and equipment.
Keep visitors away from your bird areas.
Monitor birds for signs of disease or sudden deaths.
Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock.
Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.
Bird flu may affect humans however the current risk to the public remains low.
We know Tasmanians care deeply for our environment and wildlife. An outbreak of H5 bird flu in wildlife may result in large numbers of bird and mammal deaths which may cause distress for some people. A list of mental health supports is available on the Department of Health website.
More information is on our bird flu webpages.