Arabic version: كوينزلاند تستعد لانتشار محتمل لفيروس إنفلونزا الطيور H5N1

Queensland conservationists are gearing up for a potential battle against the H5N1 bird flu strain, which has already affected birds worldwide. The former chief scientist of Queensland has urged the government to engage the state’s bird-watching community in monitoring efforts. According to ABC News, the strain has caused significant mortality in bird populations since 2021, with five confirmed cases reported on Australia’s southern coast.

Conservationists are particularly concerned about the impact on Queensland’s diverse bird species, which include many unique bush birds. Hugh Possingham, President of Birdlife Australia, emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance, noting the state’s abundance of bird watchers. He suggested that these volunteers could play a crucial role in detecting the virus.

While the effects on bush birds remain uncertain, the potential impact on seabirds is clearer, as similar species have experienced severe die-offs in other regions. Possingham also called for the government to address existing threats to bird populations, such as culling more foxes.

The Queensland government is currently collaborating with wildlife carers and veterinarians to bolster bird surveillance. Meanwhile, the poultry industry is on high alert, with producers considering lockdown measures similar to those implemented in Western Australia, where four cases have been confirmed. Vaccination efforts for poultry and some native birds are also being contemplated by federal authorities.