Fears for poultry industry as more bird flu cases found
More cases of suspected bird flu have been found in South Australia.
There are seven new suspected cases in the state.
The new suspected cases are all greater crested terns found in the states south-east. Neil Bowman
The sick and dead native seabirds were all found on the Limestone Coast.
The government admitted there was a high chance the local poultry industry would be impacted.
Primary Industries patrols are stepping up.
The new suspected cases are all greater crested terns found in the state’s south-east.
One was at Cape Jaffa, one at Port Macdonnell and five around Southend Jetty near Beachport.
Four of those birds are sick and one is dead.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said: “These have now been raced off to the CSIRO lab to see if we can determine whether that means we have local transmission here in Australia or not.”
If the cases are confirmed, it will bring South Australia’s bird flu tally to 14, the highest in the country.
The outbreak has so far been contained to wild seabirds likely contracting the disease offshore, but if testing shows local transmission, it could be too late to contain.
Invasive Species Council senior advocate James Johnston said: “We may be facing mass bird deaths in South Australia, so the real risk is that this crisis could turn into a Black Summer bushfire level of disaster.”
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven admitted the $240 million poultry industry was at risk.
“It’s a very high possibility that it will eventually get into poultry. What we have been focused on with industry is that they will be as prepared as possible,” she said.
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In Europe and the US, bird flu outbreaks have led to mass culls and price hikes on poultry products, including eggs.
South Australia Chief Veterinary Officer Skye Fruean said: “We don’t know what this is going to mean for Australia, but we are preparing for the worst based on what we’ve seen overseas.”
Experts have warned not to panic buy poultry.
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