#h5n1

L’Australie, dernier continent encore épargné par la souche H5N1 depuis sa détection en juin, est passée à l’action face à la progression du virus. Les autorités ont annoncé un vaste programme de vaccination destiné à protéger les espèces d’oiseaux indigènes les plus vulnérables, alors que l’épizootie s’étend à travers le pays. Un plan de vaccination ciblé Environ 1 500 flacons de vaccins,…

Carried softly on the breeze

Beautiful and somber

Falling through the leaves

Do you hear the magpie?

Sing her mournful song

You better listen closely

She won't be here for long

Do you see the gum tree?

Flowers in full bloom

Completely out of season

Graceful portent, coming doom

Do you see the red moon?

Over smoky skies

If only we'd not listened

To the oil baron's lies

Do you hear the silence?

Cast upon the land

It's a sound whose name is violence

For Victorians: the Vic government is asking people to report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one sick or dead:

wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey

If you suspect a wild animal may be infected with H5 bird flu:

AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Observe from a distance and keep pets away.

RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video if it is safe to do so.

REPORT any unusual sickness or mass mortality events in wildlife via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Avian influenza is a nationally notifiable disease meaning if you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it.

Reporting will alert authorities so they can evaluate the need for testing or other investigation. Even if testing is not undertaken, all reports help inform our understanding of the disease and how to manage it.

From H5 Avian Influenza (H5 Bird Flu) and Wildlife Advice for people who encounter sick or dead wildlife:

Infected live birds or mammals may show a wide range of signs, including:

Lack of coordination, tremors, seizures, swimming in circles

Twisted necks or other unusual postures

Inability to stand or fly

Diarrhoea

Difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing

Swelling around the head, neck and eyes

Cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes