South Australians with backyard chooks, budgies and other pet birds are being urged to take simple precautions against H5 bird flu, with a special online information session to be held next week.
The State Government will host a targeted webinar from 6.30pm on Tuesday, August 25, giving bird owners the chance to hear directly from experts leading South Australia’s response to the virus and ask questions about protecting their animals.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Skye Fruean will be joined by representatives from the Department for Environment and Water and SA Health, covering practical biosecurity measures, signs of illness and the risk posed by contact with wild birds.
Among the advice being given to owners is to keep pet birds and poultry separated from wild birds where possible, cover food and water sources and consider keeping free-ranging birds in enclosed areas.
While the risk to human health remains low and person-to-person transmission is considered very unlikely, authorities say experience overseas has shown backyard poultry, pet birds, cats and dogs can be susceptible to H5 bird flu.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said owners could not prevent the virus spreading through wild bird populations, but they could reduce the risk to animals at home.
“We cannot control the spread of bird flu among wild birds, but we can take steps to protect the animals we share our homes with,” Minister Scriven said.
“We also understand some people may still have concerns or questions about how they can protect their backyard birds, which is why we’re giving them the opportunity to hear directly from the experts and ask questions.”
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Skye Fruean said owners should keep a close eye on their animals and contact a veterinarian if they become unwell.
“We encourage people with pet birds or backyard poultry to prevent contact with wild birds and monitor their animals for any signs of disease,” Dr Fruean said.
The webinar comes as the State Government continues a series of community forums about H5 bird flu across South Australia.
The next sessions will be held at the Golden Grove Recreation and Arts Centre from 6pm to 7.30pm on Monday, August 24, and the Port MacDonnell Community Complex from 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, August 27.
Previous forums have been held in Goolwa, Kingscote, Yorketown, Glenelg, Robe, Parham, Berri and Port Adelaide.
South Australians are also being asked to remain vigilant for sick or dead birds and other wildlife. People should avoid touching affected animals, record what they see and report suspected cases to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Registrations for the webinar and community forums, along with the latest H5 bird flu information and advice, are available here .
