Queensland has confirmed the state’s first suspected positive case of the deadly H5 bird flu after a dead petrel washed up on Moreton Island.
Samples taken from the deceased bird have returned a suspected positive result for H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, which is now undergoing further testing at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for final confirmation.
Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett said the results of the CSIRO’s testing will be communicated by the Federal Government.
“There has been no detections in native birds, poultry, nor evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals in Queensland,” said Mr Perrett.
“The risk to human health remains 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 Government remained focused on supporting the poultry industry during this time.
“We’ve strengthened our preparedness measures and continue to work closely with industry to ensure Queensland is ready.”
“The Queensland Department of Primary Industries will continue to keep the community informed as updates are available.”
Queenslanders are advised to avoid contact, from sick or dead birds and report immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
