Mid North Coast residents urged to watch for bird flu as wildlife threat grows

RESIDENTS of the NSW Mid North Coast are being urged to keep an eye on local birdlife as Australia faces the ongoing spread of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

During an online webinar on Monday 24 August, Professor Hugh Possingham, President of BirdLife Australia, and Kim Farley spoke about what the virus could mean for Australia’s wildlife and what ordinary people can do to help.

For many coastal townships such as Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest, with beaches, wetlands, estuaries and large populations of seabirds and waterbirds, the issue is particularly close to home.

Professor Possingham said some birds were more vulnerable than others, particularly waterbirds such as ducks, swans and geese, as well as shorebirds, birds of prey and species that gather in large colonies.

There is also concern for threatened species with already small populations, where the loss of even a relatively small number of birds could have a major impact.

One of the strongest messages was that protecting wildlife is not only about responding once birds become sick.

Professor Possingham urged people to contact their politicians and push for more funding to give Australian wildlife a fighting chance.

The webinar supported calls for the Federal Government to establish a $200 million wildlife resilience fund to protect wildlife and strengthen Australia’s response to H5N1.

Participants were also encouraged to contact their local MPs and the federal Environment and Agriculture Minister, as well as support calls to restrict some rat poisons, which can cause secondary poisoning in birds of prey and scavengers.

Closer to home, there are simple things Myall Coast residents can do.

If you come across a sick or dead bird, you’re advised to Avoid, Record, Report.

Do not touch the bird or try to rescue it. Keep children and pets away, record where you found it and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

People can also help by regularly cleaning bird baths, but reconsider feeding wild birds as it can bring large numbers of birds together in one place.

Dogs should be under control around beaches, wetlands, estuaries and sandbars and kept away from sick or dead wildlife.

For a community surrounded by such an incredible variety of birdlife, the webinar was a timely reminder that everyone can play a role in the bird flu crisis.

By Althea GUINSBERG