Leaders of the Western Australia’s most prominent wildlife organisations have set a road map for providing advice to government about dealing with the threat of bird flu to wildlife in the state.
The roadmap was produced at last week’s inaugural meeting of the Bird Flu Wildlife Advisory Group, where disease preparedness and response measures were discussed.
With increasing reports of spread among wild birds and some mammals in other States, the group committed to support ongoing response efforts focused on minimising impacts on wildlife, animal and human health, communities and agricultural industries in WA.
The Bird Flu Wildlife Advisory Group is made up of representatives from the wildlife sector, conservation groups, veterinarians, local government and State Government agencies.
It will provide a dedicated forum for wildlife organisations to share their expertise, identify emerging issues and help inform the State’s ongoing approach to managing bird flu.
The inaugural meeting was attended by WA Environment Minister, Matthew Swinbourn and chaired by David McFerran.
Other attendees included representatives from BirdLife WA, WA Local Government Association, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. There were also wildlife rehabilitators, including, Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, Perth Wildlife Hospital, WA Wildlife, Kanyana Wildlife, Darling Range Wildlife Shelter, FAWNA, WA Seabird Rescue, Mandurah Wildlife, Healing Hands Wildlife Care, Esperance Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary, Pilbara Wildlife Carers Association, and WA Seabird Conservation Network.
“The establishment of the Bird Flu Wildlife Advisory Group reinforces the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to protecting Western Australia’s environment,” said Minister Swinbourn.
“There have been no positive detections of bird flu in WA for several weeks, but the increasing cases in other States and Territories show we cannot be complacent and must be prepared for the spread of this deadly and highly contagious disease.
“I look forward to working with the advisory group as we prepare for and meet the challenges that lie ahead.”
There was unanimous support for the State Government’s launch earlier this month of a $2 million Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants package, to support wildlife rehabilitators and community organisations to prepare for the potential impacts of bird flu.
Applications are now open for grants of up to $200,000 to support longer-term projects that strengthen the resilience of Western Australia’s native wildlife.
The group acknowledged the importance of surveillance and public vigilance in reporting signs of bird flu in wildlife.
Anyone who sees sick or dead birds or marine mammals should AVOID and not handle the animals but RECORD and take photos or a video and REPORT to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Western Australians can keep up to date on developments by visiting:Â wa.gov.au/birdflu.
