H5 avian influenza is already present in NSW and has been detected as far north as the Coffs Harbour region. The number of dead birds is increasing with 55 reported dead in NSW.
Mandy Nolan, Greens candidate for Ballina, met with wildlife veterinarian Dr Chantal Whitten at Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital to learn about the potential impact of H5 avian influenza (also known as H5N1 or pathogenic avian influenza) on our native wildlife – and the preparations needed for when the virus reaches the region.
‘What I heard today is that our wildlife hospitals are taking this threat seriously and doing everything they can to prepare – but preparation costs money and it’s just not there,’ said Ms Nolan.
‘Our wildlife hospitals and wildlife carers need to be funded now to scale up, so we are H5 ready, not scrambling to meet the need when the virus hits. The wellbeing of our wildlife and their carers is dependent on being properly resourced. The NSW Labor government needs to step up.’
Chantal Whitten, wildlife veterinarian, Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital, said ‘I am actually dreading the arrival of H5 into the area.
Dr Stephen Van Mil, CEO, Byron Wildlife Hospital said ‘Wildlife Recovery Australia has been very frustrated by responses from government.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
