Feral pig problem raises bird flu fears in famous wetlands
Landholders fear the Macquarie Marshes feral pig problem could make a bird flu outbreak harder to contain as concerns grow about the potential impact on the internationally recognised wetlands.
A bird flu outbreak could pose significant challenges in the Macquarie Marshes, a renowned wetland home to tens of thousands of waterbirds, including many endangered species. Feral pigs, foxes, and cats present a potential obstacle to controlling the disease, as they are already causing substantial harm to native wildlife. Landholders are calling for better coordination to manage these invasive species, as their movement between properties can be extensive.
The wetlands are recognized internationally for their diverse waterbird population, which could be devastated by an H5 bird flu outbreak. Scientists warn that the virus could spread rapidly through contact, faeces, and scavenging birds. However, the NSW government has not reported any cases of bird flu in cattle herds globally, and only 32 cases have been detected in the state so far.
Landholders are advised to avoid grazing livestock near waterbirds and to report any sick or dead birds to authorities. A community information session will be held in Warren to provide guidance on preparing for and responding to a potential outbreak.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
