Avian Influenza

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:27): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries regarding avian influenza.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Antarctica have been the last remaining locations free of the avian influenza strain, which has been making its way through bird populations globally since 2021. Now highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Antarctica through migratory birds returning for the southern summer. Alarmingly, it has also been detected and recorded as close as the island of Kalimantan in Indonesia. Waterfowl, shorebirds and seabirds have been identified as hosts for HPAI.

Our summer is approaching and birds are returning to Australian shores from overseas migration. Although it is doubtful HPAI can be stopped at this point, if caught early overseas examples show that its impact can be minimised. Answers to questions on notice last month outlined an industry surveillance plan, but today my questions to the minister are:

1. Is there a summer field surveillance schedule in place by PIRSA and DEW for South Australian wild waterfowl sites?

2. If not, how does the minister plan to survey for affected wild birds?

3. Is there a testing program in place to target sample both local and migratory bird populations this summer?

4. If not, will the minister commit to one?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:29): I thank the honourable member for her question. Certainly, HPAI is of significant concern. It is a disease caused by influenza A viruses, and the viruses are capable of infecting birds and mammals, including humans.

I am also advised that avian influenza continues to evolve, meaning that there is the ongoing emergence of new variations of the virus, and I am advised that new strains have appeared in recent years which are now circulating quite widely overseas. In terms of the specific operational questions that the member has asked, I will take those on notice and bring back a response.