Dingoes have been spotted in the Namadgi National Park. Photo: Lachlan Hanrahan.
Canberra’s dingoes and water rats could all be at risk if a highly contagious and deadly strain of bird flu reaches Australia’s mainland.
Australian scientists have seen signs consistent with H5 avian influenza in wildlife on Heard Island in recent days, according to a statement released by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the Department of Agriculture on Friday (24 October).
“Scientists observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on Heard Island in recent days,” the statement outlined.
“At this stage it is not a confirmed detection. It reinforces the need for Australia to remain focused on preparing for an outbreak.
“Australia remains the only continent free from the highly contagious strain of H5 bird flu. A confirmed detection on Heard Island would not substantially increase the risk to Australia.”
The H5 strain of bird flu is different from the H7 strain that impacted Canberra’s poultry industry in mid-2024.
The unpredictable strain has, in recent years, infected humans, wild animals such as seals and sea lions, and other animals such as dogs, cats, cows and goats around the world. It has also been detected overseas in zoo animals such as tigers and leopards.
ACT Environment Minister Suzanne Orr said it wasn’t known how the H5 strain would interact with Australia’s native species, but there were “genuine fears” already endangered species could be wiped out.
“Experts agree that once H5 bird flu is in our wild bird population, there will be very few options to prevent or limit the spread of the virus,” she said.
“The greatest risk of the virus arriving in Australia is from the annual spring migration of wild shorebirds from the northern hemisphere to Australia, or through wild bird movements from the subantarctic islands.”
The species most likely to be susceptible to the virus are animals that live in groups, animals living around water, and scavenger species, as they could come into direct contact with an infected animal, infected feathers and faeces, or an infected carcass.
Ms Orr said some of Canberra’s most “beloved” fauna fell into the highly susceptible category.
“[This includes] birds such as black swans, ducks, magpies, and the wedge-tailed eagle,” she said.
“Documented cases of bird flu in mammals means that other highly susceptible species include the Rakali, or water rat, and Waragul, or dingo.
“Impacts of bird flu on marsupials and monotremes, like possums, quolls and platypus, are poorly known.”
The Federal Government has committed more than $100 million to help prepare the country for an H5 bird flu incursion.
The ACT Government’s scientists have been mapping the life history, behaviour, diet and movement patterns of Canberra’s bird and mammal species to assess their expected susceptibility to bird flu.
Ms Orr said this would help the Territory achieve the “best outcomes for wildlife” should the H5 strain reach Canberra.
“While the true magnitude of the impact of bird flu on Australian wildlife is yet to be experienced, preparedness will be key to implementing actions to mitigate spread and build resilience in populations beyond incursion,” she said.
ACT Biosecurity officers have been collecting faecal samples monthly from wild birds in the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
The National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program has also been expanded to include samples from Upper Stranger Pond and Isabella Pond in Tuggeranong.
The ACT Government has also been working with the Territory’s one large egg production facility and four free-range poultry businesses to make sure they’re prepared for any potential biosecurity incursions.
A spokesperson encouraged all members of the community to practise good biosecurity hygiene measures to also protect backyard poultry from all strains of bird flu.
These measures include making sure all clothing (overalls and footwear) is cleaned thoroughly after interacting with birds, washing and disinfecting equipment (such as cages) if they’re used to transport or handle birds, restricting opportunities for wild birds and backyard birds to interact, and to keep an eye on pets for signs of illness.
Canberrans who see any suspicious illness or deaths in ACT wildlife are asked to contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
