THE potential arrival of a new strain of avian influenza has the ability to devastate Victoria’s poultry industry and native wildlife, according to the Victorian Farmers Federation.
And the peak farm body said more needs to be done now to prepare Victorian farmers.
Victorian chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke last week told Herald Sun that state authorities were undertaking “enhanced emergency preparedness planning” on the looming threat of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian flu.
The strain is now in every continent except Australia.
The Herald Sun reported the government was planning to soon encourage the public to look out for dead birds and report them to a hotline.
Dr Cooke said the government was working with the poultry industry, wildlife experts and land managers to develop mitigation strategies to protect high-risk wildlife species, and were monitoring for early signs of the virus within wildlife and poultry.
“The strategies … may include surveillance activities, enhanced communications and biosecurity measures,” he said.
“This could include the possibility of movement restrictions on susceptible animals.”
VFF vice-president Danyel Cucinotta said additional urgent action to bolster biosecurity measures to protect the state’s poultry farmers and broader agricultural sector was required and everyone had a role to play.
“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility. While government action is crucial, farmers must also remain vigilant and assess their own biosecurity processes and systems,” she said.
“It’s important that farmers review their infrastructure and consider potential modifications to reduce the risk of disease entering or spreading within their operations.
“We cannot afford to be complacent.
“The H5N1 strain is a serious threat to both our poultry industry and our environment.
“The VFF is taking proactive and collaborative steps to help ensure Victoria is ready to face this challenge in the most effective manner.”
The VFF was working with the Victorian Government and has established a working group with Mr Cooke to assess the state’s current preparedness.
Ms Cucinotta said this working group would review the recent H7 outbreak in western Victoria, identifying gaps and offering suggestions for improved response protocols.
“This work will provide the insights we need to enhance our biosecurity practices and ensure rapid and effective responses to any future threats,” she said.
“Government engagement with industry is vital, and we welcome their collaboration, but support to farmers must be clear, consistent and well resourced.
“It’s all about learning lessons from the past and applying them to future plans.
“We can’t afford not to, given the recent outbreak cost tens of millions and decimated local farmers, we need to plan today.”
The VFF was helping to ensure farmers had the information and resources to strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms.
“We see the poultry industry as particularly vulnerable given the H5N1 strain is most likely to enter Australia through wild birds,” Ms Cucinotta said.
“It’s a first line of defence and we’re encouraging all farmers to reassess their biosecurity plans.”
