*Important Update* WIRES' H5 Pre‑Incursion Policy

This update contains an important update regarding the WIRES H5 Avian Flu pre-incursion policy

Avian influenza or H5 bird flu is a viral respiratory disease that has spread widely around the world causing outbreaks in many countries with unprecedented impacts on poultry, wild birds and mammals. While mainland Australia remains free of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus to date, its presence has been confirmed in samples collected from Heard Island which is a remote Australian territory.

This aggressive strain is highly contagious and able to spread rapidly with the capability to affect a huge range of bird species, but also mammals. As with some previous strains of bird flu, this current strain can also be contracted by humans, although infections are rare. Most people exposed to the virus do not become infected, but when infection occurs it can range from mild illness to severe disease and, in rare cases, death.

As this variant of H5 bird flu has been in other parts of the world for several years, some information is already known about its spread. It has caused damage to agriculture, causing very high mortality in poultry (often approaching 100% in affected flocks) and causing illness in cattle (although mortality is low). There have been mass mortality events of wildlife in parts of the world where millions of wild birds and tens of thousands of marine mammals have died. More than 560 bird species and 100 mammal species are known to have been impacted. This is one of the largest animal pandemics in history, with incursions into previously unaffected areas like Antarctica.

It is unknown how Australia’s unique wildlife will fare when this disease reaches our shores, but the impacts are expected to be catastrophic for some species.

Federal and State governments have been planning and preparing for the inevitable arrival of this strain in Australia. As the lead agency for biosecurity emergencies in NSW, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will aim to mitigate the impacts of H5 bird flu on agriculture and the environment and try to slow the spread of the virus during an incursion by restricting the movement of animals by humans.

NPWS and DPIRD have confirmed that the wildlife rehabilitation sector is not expected to play an active operational role during an incursion of H5 bird flu, but that the sector will be vital for surveillance, community information sharing, biosecurity and risk mitigation. In preparation for an outbreak, the sector is encouraged to maintain heightened vigilance, conduct risk mitigation planning, and support with community awareness.

Prior to an incursion, this involves remaining alert to the symptoms of H5 bird flu and promptly reporting any suspected cases. It is WIRES’ responsibility to carefully assess birds and other wildlife, report suspected H5 cases, help mitigate potential disease spread, and comply with all government directives regarding the reporting, rescue, or care of affected animals, as well as comply with any restrictions on activities that may be imposed by the government.

Pre-incursion phase

The information below outlines how certain species groups are to be managed at present during the pre-incursion phase and has been reviewed and approved by DPIRD and the EAD (Emergency Animal Disease) team. WIRES Head Office has consulted with the EAD to develop guidelines for how the WIRES call centre assesses and triages calls during the pre-incursion phase. These guidelines outline when cases are to be referred to the EAD, and when cases are to proceed through usual channels and be referred to WIRES volunteers for rescue. Any cases referred to the EAD are managed in line with government protocols and obligations for reporting.

Penguins, pelicans, black swans and birds of prey

Although we should assume that H5 bird flu could infect any wild bird, certain species are considered to be more at risk due to their specific behaviours which may present increased opportunities for disease transmission through direct contact or indirect exposure.

During the pre-incursion phase, WIRES will proceed as below for penguins, pelicans, black swans and birds of prey:

• For cases where there is one or more animal from any of these species groups but is not exhibiting signs of H5, it will be sent out via xMatters with a disclaimer reminding to be vigilant for signs of H5. Although these animals may not be exhibiting obvious signs of H5, it is recommended that handlers wear PPE when handling any of these species. For cases where there is one or more animal from any of these species groups and is reported to be exhibiting any of the following symptoms of H5: panting, coughing, seizures, tremors, or poor coordination, the MOP is referred to the EAD. The EAD will assess the case and if H5 is excluded, the EAD may advise the MOP to take the animal to a vet or contact a licensed wildlife rescue group. For cases where there is one or more animal from any of these species groups and is reported to be lethargic, droopy, dishevelled, or has otherwise potentially 'vague' signs of H5, the case will undergo an internal WIRES review to determine appropriate course of action.

• For cases where there is one or more animal from any of these species groups but is not exhibiting signs of H5, it will be sent out via xMatters with a disclaimer reminding to be vigilant for signs of H5. Although these animals may not be exhibiting obvious signs of H5, it is recommended that handlers wear PPE when handling any of these species.
• For cases where there is one or more animal from any of these species groups and is reported to be exhibiting any of the following symptoms of H5: panting, coughing, seizures, tremors, or poor coordination, the MOP is referred to the EAD. The EAD will assess the case and if H5 is excluded, the EAD may advise the MOP to take the animal to a vet or contact a licensed wildlife rescue group.
• For cases where there is one or more animal from any of these species groups and is reported to be lethargic, droopy, dishevelled, or has otherwise potentially 'vague' signs of H5, the case will undergo an internal WIRES review to determine appropriate course of action.

🔗 More information about the signs of H5, can be found here.

Quarantine requirements

Any of these species listed above that are brought into care must be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days (as specified by the EAD) before being housed with other birds undergoing rehabilitation, to allow for monitoring of any potential H5 bird flu symptoms. This quarantine period is subject to change should additional information about the epidemiology of the disease in Australian species become available.

In terms of quarantine requirements, consider space availability and the potential for separation, both from other birds in care and wild birds, spatially or through physical barriers, as well as the ease of cleaning and species suitability.

• How many strictly segregated spaces are available?
• Can you reasonably prevent domestic animals from having contact with animals in quarantine, including access to food, water, respiratory secretions and faeces?
• Are individual quarantine spaces, surfaces and articles (bowls, enrichment etc.) easy to clean and disinfect?
• Are spaces able to be equipped suitably for the species being housed?
• Is the space quiet, with low foot traffic and able to be kept separate from other household members?

For an at home facility, a quarantine space could include a garage, dedicated area or individual room where birds are kept completely separate from other birds and animals. Birds can be separated using different rooms or adjacent areas. Differing air spaces can be achieved using landscaping cloth to restrict air movement and create separate working spaces within the one room.

Birds in a shared quarantine space should be considered in ‘quarantine batches’ and follow an ‘all-in, all-out’ approach. How many animals in a quarantine group will be dependent on the available space and ability to adequately separate birds and maintain quarantine. The allocated space must be appropriately sized, ventilated, and suitable for the species in care.

Wildlife undergoing rehabilitation must be prevented from coming into contact with domestic pets. When considering carer capacity to establish an effective quarantine, the designated space should be completely separate from those used by domestic animals, including dogs, cats, birds (including poultry) and livestock.

Aviaries or cages should be fixed with mesh to provide protection from direct and indirect contact with wild birds or their secretions / faeces. Measures should also be taken to mitigate other pathways of contamination, such as through food or water.

Wild birds of the species listed above must not be admitted into care if effective quarantine separation cannot be ensured.


All other bird species

Bird species that are not penguins, pelicans, black swans or birds of prey will be managed as per the usual rescue processes. As any wild bird has the potential to become infected with H5 bird flu, volunteers must remain vigilant for signs of H5 when attending rescues for any bird species.

5 or more dead birds or 5 or more live birds with signs of H5 from any species group must be reported to the EAD Hotline (1800 675 888).

Testing

Diagnostic testing for H5 bird flu must not be performed by WIRES members at this time.

The EAD will determine when a case may warrant testing and when a biosecurity team is to be activated to conduct any testing or collection of an animal if required.

Personal Health

Avian influenza in humans is an acute respiratory infection and, while rare, it can cause severe disease and in some rare cases, death. A number of factors influence zoonotic risk, but those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant, elderly, young children or have an existing condition may be particularly susceptible due to differences in their immune systems.

Those who are at a higher risk for contracting H5 bird flu, may choose to adjust their level of involvement in rescue and care activities. It is recommended that those who are immunocompromised, pregnant or elderly, or have frequent and prolonged exposure with someone who is, as well as young children, consider their level of participation with avian care and rescue and discuss the risks with their doctor to ensure they are making an informed decision based on their circumstances.

The Department of Health and Aged Care – Australian Centre for Disease Control recommends that anyone working closely with wild birds keeps their influenza vaccination up to date. While the seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t protect against avian influenza, it does reduce the risk of being infected with both human and avian flu at the same time. Dual infection can, in rare cases, lead to new and more serious viruses. The vaccine takes around two weeks to become effective.

Thank you for your consideration of this important update. Any questions regarding the information contained in this eNews can be directed to the Training Team via email at training@wires.org.au or by replying to this email.


Kind regards,
WIRES Membership & Training Teams

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