The National Farmers’ Federation and BirdLife Australia have today joined forces to call for a major government investment to reduce feral pest threats and build resilience in at-risk wildlife amidst the ongoing H5N1 bird flu incursion and to support farmers and rural communities to be part of the on-ground delivery.
While there are currently no positive detections of H5N1 bird flu in poultry or the agriculture industry, the deadly virus is already causing mass mortalities in wildlife including precious Australian birds.
That’s why the NFF and BirdLife Australia have teamed up for the first time to call for a nationwide effort to tackle feral pest threats and help protect Australia’s wildlife and agriculture industries from the potentially devastating effects of bird flu.
Both organisations believe the Federal Government should urgently invest in targeted actions to tackle threats and bolster resilience of species. This includes investment in feral animal control to reduce predation risk and protect biodiversity, which also has benefits for industries like Australian agriculture and tourism. It also includes supporting farmers who have important wetlands on their properties and are already investing in restoration work.
NFF CEO Mike Guerin said: “Feral pests are wreaking havoc on Australia’s environment and agriculture. Pests like wild pigs, deer, cats, foxes and rabbits all damage food and fibre production as much as Australia’s environment and wildlife.
“They can also spread damaging diseases including bird flu.
“Bird flu is a wake-up call. While farmers and the wider community are doing their bit to prepare and respond to H5N1, we need more government support. That should start with addressing the serious threat of pest animals.”
BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar said: “Our precious native bird life is facing a major threat, but we are not powerless in this fight. We can’t control the virus, but there is plenty we can control to bolster wild bird populations and give Australian wildlife the best possible chance of making it through.”
The NFF and BirdLife Australia are also calling for the Federal Government to support increased mental health and wellbeing services for communities affected by bird flu.
Mr Guerin said: “We know that diseases like bird flu can place additional stress on farmers and the community. We need our mental health services ready to ramp up to support Australians when they need it.”
Ms Millarsaid: “Seeing sick or dead animals can be immensely distressing. Already coastal communities in southern Australia will attest to how devastating it is to witness wildlife dying as the virus takes hold. Boosting mental health support for impacted Australians is sorely needed.”
The NFF and BirdLife Australia remind all Australians – both farmers and community members – to remain vigilant and help monitor the spread of H5N1 bird flu.
Mr Guerin said: “We want every Australian, whether they’re a farmer or not, to avoid, record, report. Everyone can do their part to track this disease.”
To keep up to date on bird flu visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu