Bird flu concerns after sick and dead seabirds wash up on Shire beaches

FNQ environment

Shaun Hollis

Senior Journalist

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This sick bird was found yesterday and has since died. Picture: Supplied

A local birdwatcher has issued a warning to Douglas Shire residents to stay right away from dead birds, and keep their pets away as well, saying about 10 dead and sick seabirds have been discovered along the Douglas Shire coast and at Low Isles in the past few days.

Retired biologist David Cook, of Wonga Beach, has reported the deaths to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, and a dead bird was handed in to authorities yesterday.

But testing for the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain takes about a week, so people need to be warned now not to touch dead birds if they wash up, he said.

“I am seriously concerned that H5N1 is in the area,” Mr Cook told Newsport today.

“It’s already spread to Southeast Queensland.

“I think there’s a real chance it may be spreading up the coast.”

He said the sick birds were mostly bridled terns that were either exhausted, distressed or had washed ashore dead.

There had been strong winds recently, but trained bird observers had not found any significant numbers of dead or distressed seabirds during this type of wind in the past, Mr Cook said.

“We all hope it is not the H5N1 virus but we must take all necessary precautions,” he said.

“We are currently awaiting test results.

“The tests apparently will be carried out in Cairns by the Primary Industries Department biosecurity vet."

The first mainland case of the deadly strain of bird flu in Australia was recorded in June, and H5N1 has spread across the country since then.

The State and Federal Governments warn anyone who finds exhausted, sick or injured seabirds not to touch them and to call the hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately.

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