Arabic version: تسمانيا تستعد مع انتشار إنفلونزا الطيور H5 بين الولايات

According to ABC News, Tasmania has not detected bird flu, but authorities say the arrival of the deadly H5 strain in the state’s wild seabirds is a question of when, not if. Since the virus arrived in Western Australia in June, it has been found in wild seabirds in every Australian jurisdiction except Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

Australia has confirmed its first mass mortality linked to the virus in greater crested terns at Baudin Rocks, off Cape Jaffa in South Australia. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said significant losses could not be avoided once H5 bird flu was spreading through wildlife and the natural environment. Tasmania’s Chief Veterinary Officer Deborah McSweyn said the disease could not be prevented from reaching the island because wild birds would carry it there.

Tasmania’s incident management team is patrolling beaches, including King Island and the Furneaux Islands, while a four-week drone surveillance program covers the coastline alongside land-based patrols. Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania secretary Jason Jacobi said the first cases were likely to involve coastal birds such as crested terns, giant petrels and brown skuas, though they could appear anywhere.

Authorities have urged people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, keep pets away, record the animal’s condition and location, and report it. Dr McSweyn said warning signs can include swimming in circles, coughing, sneezing, inability to stand or fly, swelling around the head, neck and eyes, and a twisted neck. As of Monday morning, Tasmania had received 324 reports. Aboriginal ranger groups are increasing beach patrols, while poultry producers are preparing to protect flocks, particularly where free-range systems make separating birds from wild visitors difficult.