Question Time

Avian Bird Flu

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development regarding avian influenza.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: On 23 August, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Centre for Health Protection (CHP) announced it was closely monitoring a human case of avian influenza A (H5N6). The 27-year-old woman was admitted for treatment the month prior. The CHP did not disclose how or where she became infected with bird flu, nor the patient's outcome.

The current outbreak of avian influenza continues to cause devastation among wild and farmed birds globally as well as impacting several mammal populations. University of Sydney researchers collaborating with colleagues around the world confirmed last month that the number of animals dead is 'well into the millions': 40 per cent of Peruvian pelicans have died, 40 per cent of European Dalmatian pelicans have died, 62 per cent of Caspian terns have died and 90 per cent of the critical colony of great skuas in the Shetlands have died. The UK Animal and Plant Health Agency has described the outbreak as an international crisis.

I note the minister's response to questions taken on notice, which stated that preparedness was a high priority for all Australian state and territory governments, along with the poultry industry, and outlined areas of the South Australian government's HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) preparedness, which included a reference to the $6.8 million investment in EAD (emergency animal disease) preparedness.

Given the increasing risk of HPAI to people, wildlife and industry, and noting that communication was not a strategic pillar outlined in the chamber's last update, my questions to the minister are:

1. What specific communications to industry have the minister and her department made to assist with preparedness in the poultry and egg sectors?

2. What percentage of funding from the $6.8 million pool around emergency animal disease preparedness is set aside for epidemiology and risk, operational preparedness, regional detection response, diagnostic capability and emergency response capability and capacity for avian influenza?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:20): I thank the honourable member for her question. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is obviously aware of the increased risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to Australia, and PIRSA is working closely with other jurisdictions, industry and other relevant stakeholders to understand and address this increased risk.

Avian influenza is a disease caused by influenza A viruses, and these viruses are capable of infecting birds and mammals, including humans. These avian influenza viruses are constantly evolving and the situation is changing, resulting in the ongoing emergence of new variations of the virus. I am advised that new strains have appeared in recent years that are now circulating widely overseas.

As I think the honourable member referred to, highly pathogenic avian influenza has increased in circulation globally since approximately October 2021. There have been outbreaks in many areas, including the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. In addition to outbreaks in wild birds and poultry, other wildlife, including land and marine mammals, have also been affected. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions continues to undertake surveillance of those areas that might be at risk and is enhancing its preparedness activities to detect any incursion and be ready to respond to an outbreak.

In regard to the specific question about funds, the way it works in terms of preparedness is that often similar approaches are appropriate for preparedness for a wide range of exotic or emergency animal diseases and other high risks. So it's not a matter of saying, 'We will now stop doing this and we will do that.' There are always emerging risks, and there are changes to the risks that we face on a day-to-day basis, so I am very glad that PIRSA is doing preparedness across a range of different activities in readiness for the potential incursions of a range of different diseases, including HPAI.