Eagle-eyed birders flock to help South Australia’s bird flu response

Co-designed through the State Government’s partnership with Conservation Council SA, Birds SA and BirdLife Australia, the program provides specialised training to identify sick birds that may be showing signs associated with H5 bird flu in the wild and record and report observations.

The program combines the abundance of local expertise their members hold about wildlife in the coastal and wetland systems with the government’s response plans, bolstering efforts through knowledge sharing and joining forces for a common purpose.

The first training session was well-attended with more than 70 birders taking part and 60 participants have become the first official members of South Australia’s Bird Observers Network.

The Bird Observers Network has a strong coastal footprint, with around half of the members so far based along the coast including from the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the Limestone Coast. There has also been strong uptake from volunteers based across metropolitan Adelaide.

A face-to-face training session has been scheduled for 4:30pm on Monday, 27 July at the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club. This will take place before the Bird Flu Community Forum which is being held there from 6 pm to 7:30pm. Another webinar training session will be held on Wednesday 29 July at 7 pm – 8:30pm.

Volunteers are encouraged to contact BirdObserversNetwork@sa.gov.au to be a part of the network.

The partnership with Conservation Council SA, Birds SA and BirdLife Australia was developed through the State Government’s H5 Bird Flu Stakeholder Roundtable.

Conservation Council of South Australia Chief Executive Kirsty Bevan said the organisation was delighted by the strong response so far from volunteers across the state.

"Every observation reported through the network can contribute valuable information to support an effective statewide response," Ms Bevan said. 

BirdLife Australia Chief Executive Kate Millar said she was pleased that the South Australian government recognised the special role the community has by training bird-watching volunteers to contribute to government efforts.

"Utilising the strengths of this community alongside our scientists and government agencies makes a lot of sense. We’d like to see the other states follow this approach because Australia’s birds are going to need all the help they can get," Ms Millar said. 

Birds SA president Steven Langley also supported the initiative.

"Birds SA is pleased to be part of this excellent initiative which leverages the skills and knowledge of our members to help deliver a fast and early response to any H5 Bird Flu outbreak here in South Australia," Mr Langley said. 

Earlier this week, the State Government launched a new website − birdflu.sa.gov.au − to serve as a central source of information on H5 bird flu in South Australia, bringing together the latest updates, advice and resources for primary producers, veterinarians, wildlife carers and other sectors, as well as the community at large.

The website complements the 24/7 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888), helping to ensure South Australians can access accurate information and advice.

The number of confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in South Australia remains at five, all in sea birds including in a greater crested tern, which is native to Australia. The other four cases were detected in giant petrels, which are migratory.

The community is reminded that if you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.