AdNewslettersEditors Pick ListNewslettersEditors Pick ListNews HomeHome PageNewsSportNoticeboardTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore TravelLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperAccess

The Canberra TimesNewslettersViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estateMy RegionPress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy PolicyAbout usThe Canberra TimesBay Post-Moruya

ExaminerMagnetMerimbula News WeeklyNarooma News Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region. Access unlimited content, as well as The Canberra

Times app.

raised during a recent visit to Bega by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe.

Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading

All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperAll other regional websites in your areaContinue Ms Sharpe visited Bega and Tathra on Friday and Saturday, September 6-7, to

meet with several groups related to the minister's portfolios of climate change, energy, the environment and heritage.

Among the discussions held, the dangers of avian influenza were raised, and its potential threat to the Far South Coast.

Ms Sharpe said the NSW government was taking "strong steps" to prepare for a potential wildlife emergency if a dangerous strain of avian influenza reached Australian shores this spring.

H5N1 was a highly contagious strain that was affecting bird species and some mammals overseas.

It has seen mass deaths of wild birds and marine mammals as well as animals that prey or scavenge on birds.

Bega MP Michael Holland and NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe at Tathra Wharf on Saturday morning, September 7. Picture supplied "Australia is yet to be hit by this dangerous

strain of bird flu, but NSW is taking action to prepare for its potential arrival," Ms Sharpe said.

"It is difficult to stop the spread of avian influenza in wild birds, but we want to get the message out now so that governments, wildlife groups and community can be ready.

"The NSW government is working closely with experts across government and across state borders to prepare for risks and respond to outbreaks, which we hope won't happen."

Bega MP Michael Holland and NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe at Tathra Wharf on Saturday morning, September 7. Picture suppliedFar South Coast a priority location Australia is

the only continent that has not yet detected cases of H5N1 avia influenza. But migratory birds pose a risk of introducing it from the north and from Antarctica.

Ms Sharpe said several locations on the Far South Coast had been identified as high priority sites for risk assessment and response planning.

She said work was underway at Barunguba-Montague Island Nature Reserve, which is home to bird and seal colonies.

The island is considered a potential risk from an H5N1 incursion due to the large number of migratory birds arriving to breed over the coming months.

Response strategies will also consider the risk to little penguins and fur seals.

Member for Bega Michael Holland said it was important to do all we can "to prepare for the potential arrival of this dangerous strain of avian influenza".

"The NSW government is alert to the risk to both poultry farms and wild bird populations, and I thank the community, industry and wildlife groups for their assistance."

What can you do? While the H5N1 strain has not yet arrived in Australia, communities can assist with early detection by recording and reporting what they see.

Symptoms of avian influenza usually appear in several or all birds in a flock, including:

lack of coordination, arched head, paralysis, seizures, tremors;conjunctivitis, nasal secretions, laboured breathing; orunusual sudden death. Members of the public and wildlife carers who

see dead birds or birds with these symptoms are advised to:

Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment.Do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.Record what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos

and/or video of the animal and the surrounding area.Report any unusual sickness or mass deaths of wild birds (more than five birds) via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

(24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 for advice and if necessary, collection of birds for testing.ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyBen

SmythEditor I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Batemans Bay and Narooma

I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Batemans Bay and Narooma

Newsletters & AlertsView all Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team.

Loading... Weekly

Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Weekly

Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionBega District NewsContactAbout

UsWorking With UsToday's PaperHelp CentreOur SitesViewView InsuranceBeevoBusinessPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage

SalesSubmitSend a Letter to the EditorSend us your news