Source : Perth Now news
Organisers of the Royal Adelaide Show have been forced to cancel the involvement of any and all birds as South Australia grapples with a bird flu outbreak.
More than 140 birds found across the state have been confirmed or suspected to have died from the deadly infection, which can decimate wild birdlife and poultry and severely hurt populations of scavenging mammals like the Tasmanian devil and quoll as well seals and dolphins.
The findings pushed organisers of the Royal Adelaide Show to cancel all of its poultry and pigeon competitions. The show normally has 1600 different classes and categories of awards for eggs, pigeons, bantam chickens, ducks, fowl, and geese.
“Protecting the health and welfare of animals is our highest priority, and we believe this is the right decision to support our exhibitors, our agricultural community and broader biosecurity efforts,” Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia chief executive Will Rayner said.
“Our exhibitors and volunteers invest significant time, effort and resources in being part of the Royal Adelaide Show, with many travelling from regional communities to compete.
“We wanted to provide as much notice as possible so they have clarity and can plan accordingly.”
Scientists and Department of Primary Industries staff across South Australia have been working hard to get a handle on infections of the deadly H5 strain of bird flu.
In the latest update on Thursday, the SA government says 87 confirmed cases of H5 bird flu had been recorded, along with 57 suspected cases.
“There remains no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock. The risk to human health of H5 bird flu remains low,” authorities said.
Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and NSW all have confirmed cases of high pathogenicity avian influenza H5.
The first case in Victoria was found in the southwest city of Portland on July 30.
“Overseas, this strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and other wildlife,” Victoria agriculture authorities said.
“Human cases are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people.”
The 150th Royal Queensland Show kicks off Saturday, and organisers have been approached for comment.
