Image: Bird Flu SA
More than 60 South Australian birdwatchers have joined a new statewide surveillance network and begun monitoring wild birds for signs of H5 bird flu.
The Bird Observers Network was announced earlier this month, bringing experienced birders into South Australia’s response to the virus through specialised training in identifying, recording and reporting potentially affected wildlife.
More than 70 people attended the program’s first training session, with 60 participants becoming its first official members.
Around half of the trained volunteers are based along South Australia’s coastline, including on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the Limestone Coast. Volunteers have also joined from across metropolitan Adelaide.
The program has been co-designed by the State Government, Conservation Council SA, Birds SA and BirdLife Australia, combining local knowledge of coastal and wetland bird populations with official monitoring and response procedures.
Climate, Environment and Water Minister Emily Bourke said the volunteers were now working in the field with both specialised training and extensive knowledge of local birdlife.
“The first members of South Australia’s new Bird Observers Network are now out on the ground, armed with the latest information on the bird flu response and their existing expertise of local birdlife – that’s a powerful combination of knowledge,” she said.
“It is fantastic to see strong interest in our Bird Observers Network initiative, and I thank those volunteers who have answered the call to play an active role in our response.”
Further training will be held at the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club from 4.30pm on Monday, July 27, before a public Bird Flu Community Forum at the venue from 6pm to 7.30pm.
An online training session will also be held from 7pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, July 29.
Conservation Council SA chief executive Kirsty Bevan said observations submitted by volunteers could help authorities better understand and respond to potential cases.
“Every observation reported through the network can contribute valuable information to support an effective statewide response,” she said.
The State Government has also launched birdflu.sa.gov.au as a central source of H5 bird flu updates, safety advice and resources for the community, primary producers, veterinarians and wildlife carers.
Five cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in South Australia, all involving seabirds. One was detected in a greater crested tern native to Australia, while the other four involved migratory giant petrels.
People who find sick or dead birds or other wildlife should not touch them. They should avoid contact, record what they see and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For more go to, https://pir.sa.gov.au/animal-management/animal-health/species/poultry/avian-influenza
