Avian Bird Flu

In reply to the Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().28 June 2023).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): I am advised:

HPAI preparedness is a high priority for all Australian, state and territory governments along with the poultry industry. I understand these parties have been preparing for HPAI outbreak over a long period of time.

South Australia is actively investing in preparedness activities for high threat diseases, including HPAI.

As the honourable member would be aware, last year the Malinauskas Labor government provided a $6.8 million investment into EAD preparedness which will assist with HPAI preparedness through:

Epidemiology and risk–to enhance epidemiological capacity and technical skills required to support preparedness and effective, informed, flexible responses

Operational preparedness–to engage in national policy and procedure development and develop state level action plans to enhance operational preparedness and technical expertise in South Australia.

Regional detection and response–to undertake regional activities to minimise risk of disease outbreaks, disease spread and ensure regional level preparedness, including working with livestock industry parties on contingency planning.

Diagnostic capability–to improve SA laboratory services, capability and capacity to respond to an EAD outbreak

Emergency response capability and capacity–to enhance PIRSA Incident Management Team (IMT) capacity and capability for an EAD response

The funding will also assist with procurement of capital items to assist with destruction, disposal and decontamination in the event of an HPAI outbreak, including scoping for specialised equipment for mass depopulation of large numbers of birds.