Farmers 'very nervous', poultry show cancelled as bird flu reaches Tasmania
The detection of the deadly strain of bird flu in Tasmania has triggered tighter biosecurity controls on farms and wildlife sanctuaries and the cancellation of a major bird show.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been detected for the first time in Tasmania, leading to heightened biosecurity measures across the state. The Royal Hobart Poultry and Pigeon Show has been cancelled due to precautionary concerns. Matthew Gunningham, a long-time farmer in Tasmania's north-west, expressed anxiety about the virus's potential impact on his family-run farm.
An infected brown skua was found near his farm, marking the sole case of bird flu in Tasmania. While no local spread has been observed, Gunningham fears for his flock of over 4,000 laying hens. The virus has caused significant harm to wildlife and poultry farms globally. The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania also decided to cancel the Royal Hobart Poultry and Pigeon Show scheduled for August 22, citing high risks to exhibitors and the broader animal population.
Bird breeder Mark Robertson voiced concerns about the future of poultry shows without the event. The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been preparing for bird flu for three years, remains vigilant and is working closely with authorities to control the virus's spread. They are concerned about the potential impact on their animal rescue service, receiving around 20,000 calls annually.
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.
