Arabic version: نفوق طيور في بحيرة ويرونا يدفع إلى إجراء فحوصات لـH5N1

According to ABC News, authorities are testing samples after wildlife rescuers found 59 dead birds, mostly ibises, at Lake Weeroona in Bendigo. The discovery followed reports of a sick bird near an island at the popular lake on Wednesday and has raised concerns about a possible H5N1 bird flu outbreak.

Bendigo Wildlife Rescue volunteer Avery Barnett-Dacey said more birds were showing unusual symptoms. “They’re unable to walk properly,” she said. “A lot of them are just sitting down. They’ve got a head wobble and almost like a skyward gaze.” Rescuers said the number of dead ibises almost tripled in 24 hours, and some water hens were also found dead.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action said samples supplied by a local veterinary clinic would be assessed at a testing laboratory. Testing typically takes 24 hours. No cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in the Bendigo region so far. A department spokesperson said Victoria’s response was focused on reducing impacts where practical, recognising that H5 bird flu cannot be controlled in wild populations.

Ms Barnett-Dacey said volunteers were finding the situation difficult and were concerned about a lack of government support. She said she had been turning dog-walkers away from the area because of the potential bird flu risk. DEECA said its Bendigo-based officers had attended the site.

The City of Greater Bendigo said it was following Agriculture Victoria’s direction to leave birds on the island, which it described as inaccessible to the public and not a public space. Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell called for an immediate answer on whether bird flu or another cause was killing the ibises. People who see sick or dead birds or wildlife are urged to report them through the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.