BIRD FLU THREAT PROMPTS BIOSECURITY WARNING FOR GRAIN GROWERS

Grain Producers Australia is urging grain growers to strengthen farm biosecurity following detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in wild seabirds.

GPA Chair Matthew Madden says while there have been no detections of the virus so far in Australian poultry or livestock production, grain farms can still play a role in managing the threat.

“Many cropping properties have dams, wetlands or water storages that attract wild birds, while mixed farming businesses may also run sheep, cattle or pigs and keep a small number of chickens or other poultry,” he says.

He also says regular movement of contractors, trucks, machinery, workers and advisers between properties needs to be carefully managed as the bird flu threat increases.

“This does not mean introducing impractical restrictions or treating every wild bird as a disease risk. It means taking a sensible look at where contact may occur and making sure sound biosecurity practices are part of normal farm management.”

Mr Madden says growers should have a written biosecurity plan covering visitors, vehicles, machinery, livestock, grain storage, feed and water.

Domestic poultry should be kept separate from wild birds where practical, while grain spills should be cleaned up and access to stored grain restricted.

Growers should also report unusual illness or deaths among wild birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.