April 21, 2005

Australia relieved as migratory bird season ends

The departure of millions of migratory birds marking the end of the migratory season greatly reduces the risk of them introducing the deadly H151 strain of the bird flu virus into Australia for the period. To date, it remains one of the few countries in the Asia Pacific region that has not been hit by the deadly strain. 

Very stringent controls on the entry of domesticated birds, eggs and poultry meat have helped in its defence against the disease, but the country's exposure to migratory birds from Asia during summer has always been a risk.

Migratory birds fly into Australia in September every year and leave in autumn, which begins in March. Many travel through South-east Asia and East Asia that have had bird flu outbreaks. This means they may carry it back as well when they return.

The Department of Agriculture is still working with bird enthusiasts and poultry groups to guard against risks posed by wild birds such as water fowl and ducks. The chicken industry has also taken strict measures such as treating water and erecting elaborate screens to prevent wild birds coming too close to the farm poultry.