QUEENSLAND has recorded its first suspected case of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu), after a dead petrel found on Moreton Island returned a positive result during initial testing.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries confirmed this morning (July 24) the bird tested positive for H5 bird flu at the state’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory, with samples now sent to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing.
The detection is Queensland’s first suspected case of the H5 strain, which was first detected in Australia on June 20 in Western Australia. Since then, the virus has also been found in wild seabirds in South Australia and New South Wales.
Authorities stressed there have been no detections of the virus in Queensland poultry and no evidence of large-scale deaths among native wildlife.
Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said the detection had been anticipated and Queensland’s response plans were already in place.
“We have known that a H5 bird flu detection in Queensland was a matter of when, not if,” Dr Crook said.
“The Queensland Government is well prepared to respond. This suspect positive result has not impacted our poultry sector or native wildlife.
“We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant.”
Dr Crook urged Queenslanders to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and wildlife, keep children and pets away, record what they observed and report it immediately.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said Queensland remained well prepared and was working closely with industry following the suspected detection.
“Queensland has returned the state’s first suspected positive case of H5 bird flu,” Mr Perrett confirmed in a statement.
He said samples from the deceased petrel found washed ashore on Moreton Island were undergoing final testing by CSIRO, with results to be communicated by the Federal Government.
Mr Perrett said there had been no detections in poultry or evidence of widespread animal deaths in Queensland, and the risk to human health remained unchanged.
“It is safe to continue to eat chicken meat or eggs, and I would encourage Queenslanders to purchase these products as they normally would,” he said.
The Crisafulli Government said it had strengthened preparedness measures and would continue working with the poultry industry to monitor the situation.
The Department of Primary Industries is continuing enhanced surveillance across the state and is urging anyone who finds sick or dead wild birds to report them immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Information about avian influenza and the latest updates is available through the Queensland Government’s Business Queensland website.