Arabic version: سكان بورتلاند يخشون أن تكون إنفلونزا الطيور وراء النفوق الجماعي
According to ABC News, hundreds of dead or dying birds have been reported in Portland, south-west Victoria, raising fears that the deaths could be linked to H5 bird flu. Authorities had not confirmed the cause, although Victoria’s first case of the deadly strain was recorded in Portland in July.
Residents say bird carcasses are scattered along beaches and that many of the affected birds are crested terns. Portland resident Kate Howman said she saw about 30 dead or dying crested terns over a 1.5-kilometre stretch of beach on Sunday. She described seeing birds wobbling on their feet and said the sight of birds still alive but barely moving was particularly distressing.
Ms Howman said the official clean-up had been sporadic and disorganised, with some birds left for days before removal. On Tuesday, two residents wearing masks and gloves were seen placing about 20 carcasses from the foreshore into black plastic garbage bags. Port Danger committee of management chair Joshua Pierce said community members were eager to help remove birds, but warned that relying on locals placed an unfair burden on them.
David Mould of the Victorian Wildlife Alliance said he saw dozens of dead birds at the Portland Yacht Club on Monday. Agriculture Victoria says H5N1 spreads more easily than other bird flu strains, has no effective treatment, and has caused mass deaths among poultry and wild birds overseas. Its guidance is to avoid contact with birds suspected of infection and, if disposal is necessary, to wear protective equipment, double-bag the bird and place it in a waste bin for landfill collection.
Portland local Skye Stevenson said she was advised to use a local council bin after finding a dead bird near her guinea fowl cage, but said she did not have bin collection where she lived. Concerned about the bird’s proximity to animals on her property, she burned it on a bonfire. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action had been contacted for comment.
