Farmers worldwide are bracing for the imminent arrival of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1, which poses a significant threat to the global poultry industry and endangered wildlife. This warning comes as the poultry sector is already grappling with the repercussions of the H7N3 outbreak, which has led to the culling of over two million birds in the U.S. alone.
As egg purchase limits remain in effect in several states, the situation is dire. Danyel Cucinotta, vice president of the Victorian Farmers Federation, emphasized the potential devastation, stating, "It would be horrific for the agricultural industry and it would be horrific for the native wildlife." The World Health Organization has noted that of 900 human infections globally, more than half have resulted in fatalities.
The H5N1 strain has spread to every continent except Australia/Oceania, which may soon change with the onset of wild bird migrations. BirdLife Australia and the Invasive Species Council are advocating for increased federal funding to safeguard threatened wildlife, ahead of an emergency meeting with state ministers scheduled for October 18.
Kate Millar, chief executive of BirdLife Australia, highlighted the urgent need for meaningful financial support, as only $580,000 has been allocated for early detection and response to H5N1 in Australian wildlife. She warned that the current funding levels will not effectively protect Australia’s birds and other wildlife.
Jack Gough from the Invasive Species Council stressed the necessity of concrete commitments during the upcoming meeting, particularly in light of a previous $66 million allocation for African swine flu preparations. He called for clear national milestones to mitigate wildlife deaths and prevent extinctions.
As the H7N3 outbreak, first detected in Victoria in May, continues to impact supply chains, Cucinotta noted that the recovery from such biosecurity breaches typically takes between six to 18 months. The Victorian Farmers Federation is collaborating with the state government to assess preparedness for H5N1 and identify gaps in response protocols.
Farmers are urged to implement biosecurity measures, with Cucinotta stressing that even those with backyard hens play a critical role in the biosecurity chain. Awareness of avian influenza signs and symptoms is essential for all poultry caretakers.