Bird Flu Threatens Tasmanian Wildlife

By Monty Jacka

Topic: Avian Influenza

Little penguins are at risk from bird flu.

Tasmania has unique wildlife, like ferocious devils and colorful birds.

The H5N1 bird flu strain was found in a brown skua on the north-west coast.

The government is taking measures to protect the wildlife, including increased surveillance and vaccination.

Species that gather in groups or scavenge are being prioritized.

Here's a look at the animals most at risk and what's being done to protect them.

Tasmanian devil

It's not known how bird flu will affect the Tasmanian devil.

The Tasmanian devil is an iconic animal, but its impact from the virus is unknown.

Devils scavenge on carcasses, so they may eat infected birds.

Whether the virus will infect the devils is still unknown.

An additional threat will add pressure to their safety and survival.

Work is being done to protect the Tasmanian devil by reducing disease and boosting genetic diversity.

There is no H5 bird flu vaccine for mammals, but work is being done.

Orange-bellied parrot

The orange-bellied parrot breeds in south-west Tasmania.

The orange-bellied parrot is one of Australia's most threatened bird species.

To report sick or dead birds or other animals, visit the wildlife health webpage.

To report sick or dead wildlife, please visit the webpage.

The state government is planning to roll out a vaccination program for the orange-bellied parrot.

The H5 bird flu vaccine will be given to 350 orange-bellied parrots in a breeding centre.

The government is taking action to give the parrots the best chance in an outbreak.

Additional measures will be taken to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

A vaccination program will begin in September to protect the orange-bellied parrots.

The vaccination program is hoped to start in September.

Australia's Threatened Species commissioner is thrilled about the vaccination program.

Little penguin

Little penguins will not receive a vaccine, but their habitat will be protected.

Little penguins are at risk of significant mortalities from the H5 bird flu.

The birds are not a priority for a vaccination program due to their large population.

Two doses of the vaccine are required, separated by one or two weeks.

The conditions for the vaccine cannot be met for little penguins.

Victorian authorities are planning to vaccinate 5,000 little penguins on Phillip Island.

The situations are not comparable, as Victoria can meet the permit requirements.

Efforts will be made to preserve little penguin populations, including removing weeds.

Native seabirds

Shy albatross are among the seabirds at high risk from bird flu.

Wild aquatic birds have been heavily impacted by the H5 bird flu pandemic.

The arrival of the virus in Tasmania is concerning due to its importance for migratory shorebirds.

The state government has identified species at high risk, including the shy albatross and short-tailed shearwater.

The Australasian gannet is another species at high risk.

Albatross Island is close to where the infected brown skua was found, which is concerning.

Terns often suffer severe consequences during an outbreak, and the virus could be catastrophic for gannets.

Colonies of seabirds need to be free from threats like feral animals and weeds.

The seasonal harvesting of short-tailed shearwater chicks is a cultural practice for Tasmania's Aboriginal people.

The department may work with the Aboriginal community to suspend muttonbirding if an outbreak is detected.

There are concerns about the impact of bird flu on wedge-tailed eagles.

Other seabirds, like the white-bellied sea eagle and Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, are also at risk.

Seals

No vaccine is available for seals.

Neil the seal may not be isolated from the threat of bird flu.

Thousands of baby seals were killed by the virus on Heard Island.

The state government has identified the Australian and long-nosed fur seals as species at high risk.

The seals gather in large groups, making it easier for the disease to transmit.

Seals often gather in large numbers, making it easier for the disease to spread.

Work is being done to build the resilience of wild seal populations.

The arrival of H5 bird flu in Tasmania is bad news for Neil the seal.

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