Arabic version: إنفلونزا الطيور في الثعالب تدفع إلى الدعوة لمكافحة الآفات في المدن
According to ABC News, the detection of H5 bird flu in red foxes has prompted calls for city residents to take a greater role in controlling the pest. A fox in metropolitan Adelaide tested positive in late August, the first detection of the disease in a land mammal in Australia. Authorities in Victoria later confirmed a fox that died at Torquay, south-west of Melbourne, had bird flu.
Authorities are not concerned that foxes are spreading the disease, but warn the animals could move infected carcasses, especially in urban areas. Australia has an estimated 1.7 million foxes, with densities in urban zones up to three times higher than in rural areas. Some Melbourne suburbs have between 16 and 23 foxes per square kilometre.
Vertebrate pest controller and biodiversity surveyor Lisette Mill said cities provide foxes with hiding places and food sources, including rubbish and compost bins and pet food left in backyards. She described the detections as a “rethink moment” and advised residents to clear food sources, secure waste bins and prevent interactions between foxes and household animals. She also said sick or injured foxes can take greater risks by approaching houses and sheds for easy food.
National Farmers Federation chief executive Mike Guerin said wild pigs, deer, cats, foxes and rabbits could all be spreaders of the disease. He welcomed Commonwealth pest-management funding in the national bird flu response and called for states and territories to match it. Mr Guerin said ongoing pest-control programs were important for the environment, biosecurity and food security.
Australian chief veterinary officer Beth Cookson called the H5 detection in foxes a concerning but not unexpected development. She said there was currently no evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission associated with H5 bird flu in Australia, and urged people and pets to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Foxes are regarded as one of Australia’s most damaging invaders, killing about 300 million native animals each year.
