Byron Shire Council has issued a statement in regards to the ongoing threat of bird flu to animals and birds in the region.
While there are a number of H5 bird flu detections in NSW, including one in Coffs Harbour, no cases have so far been found in the Byron Shire.
People are asked to keep an eye out for sick or dead birds and to report any suspected cases immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
The bird flu response in NSW is being led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Council is following advice and taking guidance from the DPIRD and the Australian Government.
DPIRD has provided guidelines for the disposal of carcasses and Council’s outdoor staff are
prepared to follow these guidelines and remove carcasses from public areas as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of the spread of disease.
Annual Shearwater migration
Council’s Acting Manager Environmental and Economic Planning, Liz Caddick, said this is the time of year when dead or dying short-tailed shearwaters on their annual migration often wash up on local beaches.
‘This is very common and is a natural occurrence that happens almost every year,’ said Ms Caddick.’
‘These birds have had a long, hard flight from North America and some of them die from
exhaustion.’
‘If people see dead shearwaters on the beach it’s likely they haven’t died from bird flu but it’s better to be safe so avoid contact with the bird and report it immediately,’ she said.
What to do if you see a sick or dead bird
1. Avoid contact with the bird and keep well clear.
2. Record what you see and the location.
Report it to:
• Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
• Report sick or dead wild birds online via the NSW Government’s website.
More information about bird flu can be found on Council’s website.
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