Residents urged not to touch dying birds on beaches

A rise in the number of dead shearwater birds on the Northern Beaches has local residents concerned of the possible transmission of Avian Influenza.

While the birds are dying due to failed migration, a number of wildlife rescue organisations have been receiving calls from concerned residents.

Eira Bish, volunteer at Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services, urged residents not to handle or touch the birds.

“Sadly there is little that can be done to rescue or save any dying birds, they require expert care which is limited to specialist vet hospitals. We advise not to touch the dead birds and keep dogs away from them if on an off-leash beach.”

“It is important that members of public do not try to rescue the dying birds; wash hands thoroughly if any are handled,” said Eira.

Avian Influenza, or bird flu, is an infectious disease of birds caused by strains of Influenza A virus. It affects poultry and wild birds and can be spread to mammals including humans. The H5N1 strain is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) being closely monitored by Australian authorities due to the potential risk of spread to Australia.

Last month the Australian government pledged $95 million to prepare for the arrival of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, H5N1 virus), including $35.9 million to protect threatened species and priority biodiversity.

Despite concerns, over at Port Fairy's Griffiths Island, the short-tailed shearwater colony has been tested and confirmed to not have been infected with avian flu.