Message from Chief Veterinary Officer

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Note: The contents of this entry in this website have been compiled from information drawn from a variety of sources and is provided for information purposes only. Persons should seek professional advice when prudent to do so.


Chief Veterinary Officer’s message to South Australians February 2006

There has been extensive coverage in the global media about Avian Influenza (AI) as the H5N1 strain has spread through Asia and, more recently, into Europe. This media activity has extended to Australia, with wide coverage on the virus and associated risks.

I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce that Australia is free of AI, and the risk of AI virus entering our borders through wild birds is extremely low. South Australia is well prepared, and our Animal Health authorities have appropriate measures in place to deal with any situation.

The H5N1 strain found in some countries has never been detected in Australia. AI of different strains (not H5N1) has occurred five times in Australian poultry, although never in South Australia (Victoria in 1976, 1985 and 1992; Queensland in 1994; NSW in 1997). These incursions were rapidly detected and eliminated.

In recognition of the fact that many people are seeking information about AI, PIRSA Animal Health has prepared information on this website to keep you informed. This extends to biosecurity measures and government plans to be followed in the event of an outbreak.

There is a very low chance of the H5N1 AI strain affecting poultry in South Australia. The most likely way for the virus to reach our state would be via migratory birds coming out of Asia. However, the few species that do enter Australia are rarely in contact with domestic poultry, further reducing the risk of infection in our poultry.

Australia has efficient and well-tested response systems in place to deal with disease outbreaks, including AI. Our biosecurity systems are among the best in the world, and have quickly and effectively stamped out instances of disease in the past.

In South Australia, there are various biosecurity measures and guidelines in place to ensure on-farm procedures follow high standards of safety and hygiene, to minimise disease risk.

As well, PIRSA Animal Health maintains contact with various wildlife groups and associations, in monitoring wild bird populations for unusual mortalities. This liaison will be a key element in ensuring the State is prepared for early detection of an outbreak.

There has been some concern about the possibility of AI affecting domestic and pet birds. This threat is extremely low because AI is not present in Australia, although good bird-rearing practice makes sense as a general rule at all times. Good animal hygiene practices include protecting the food and water used for your pet birds and ensuring that wild birds cannot contact them.

The potential risks of AI to human health have also been widely reported. Again, the threat of AI affecting humans is extremely low. Most overseas cases where humans have contracted the virus from animals have resulted from close contact between poultry and humans. The husbandry practices used in some overseas countries – such as poultry kept in close proximity to family living – do not occur here.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) website www.fao.org has all the recent global information plus photographs of affected birds. The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry at www.affa.gov.au also has information sheets in a question and answer format.

Finally, it is important for all of us to follow good hygiene practices to minimise the risk of any disease. Wash your hands after contact with animals and birds; and in particular, do not touch birds found sick or dead. Always use gloves in these circumstances. These are sensible precautions that will prevent many diseases, not just AI.


Yours sincerely,

Robert Rahaley
SA Chief Veterinary Officer