Deadly bird flu detection creates fear for tourist drawcard
A seaside town on the NSW South Coast braces for the potential impact of bird flu on its upcoming tourist season after an infected dead bird was discovered last Saturday.
The discovery of a bird infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu near Narooma has raised concerns among tourism operators in the area. The greater crested tern, which was found dead on Bar Beach in Narooma, tested positive for the virus. The coastal town's economy heavily relies on tourism, particularly during the spring and summer months when visitors flock to the area to enjoy boat tours to Barunguba Montague Island, a national park reserve known for its diverse bird population.
The island, home to over 90 species of birds, is a major tourist attraction due to its proximity to Australian and New Zealand fur seals. However, with the H5N1 strain potentially spreading to the island, there is a significant risk of negatively impacting the local economy. Sally Bouckley, a Narooma tour operator, expressed her worry that a bird flu outbreak could have a "massive" impact on the region's tourism industry.
NSW deputy chief veterinary officer Rhys Powell stated that the detection near Barunguba Montague Island is concerning due to the island's proximity to the affected area. The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, and Environment (DCCEEW) is currently monitoring 34 priority sites for H5N1, including Barunguba Montague Island, with daily surveillance during the peak nesting season. Seabird ecologist Nicholas Carlisle noted that the island's thriving bird population has been a success story for conservation efforts.
If the H5N1 strain were to be detected on Barunguba Montague Island, it could lead to the suspension of tours, which would severely affect the local tourism industry. Dr. Powell mentioned that a decision to restrict public access could be made if there is a sustained risk of transmission on the mainland. Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Mathew Hatcher emphasized that the authorities need to be proactive in addressing the situation, as the worst-case scenario could involve the negative impact on native wildlife and the subsequent washing up of affected animals on the beaches.
Tourism operators are calling for increased communication with the public to address fears and provide reassurance. Despite the concerns, the community in Narooma remains committed to supporting each other during these challenging times.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
