Avian Bird Flu

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:05): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development on the topic of our preparedness for avian flu, and animal welfare concerns.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: The minister is on record noting that while here in South Australia we currently don't have any detections of avian flu, the state government has done significant work in preparedness. Noting that in recent weeks 30,000 farmed ducks were culled with the use of firefighting foam, or wet foam, in that state and that it has drawn attention and critique from animal welfare advocates, I would like to outline why, because, as the Australian Veterinary Association's Dr Melanie Latter states, it's not their preferred way of culling floor-raised poultry.

In particular, when it comes to using the foam on ducks, due to their diving reflex, which allows them to hold their breath underwater and slow their heart rate, it has been reported to prolong their deaths. In fact, their response is to hold their breath—which is something other birds can't do—and instead of inhaling the deadly chemicals they are actually dying in a slow, agonising manner from heat stroke or organ failure, holding their breath while being buried alive under the foam. My question to the minister is: how prepared are we for avian flu with regard to ducks and ensuring that any biosecurity emergency response is done humanely?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:06): I thank the honourable member for her question. Certainly, the issues around avian influenza are not restricted only to primary production. We are aware, of course, of the impacts that have occurred on the commercial poultry industry interstate. My department, understandably, is particularly focused on the impacts on primary production, but the impacts on wildlife are also considered to be particularly concerning.

I understand that my department, PIRSA, has been working with the Department for Environment and Water as well as other bodies and, in terms of government, with SA Health as well, on the response to avian influenza. I assume that the honourable member is asking about wild duck populations, and that would be particularly covered, I would expect, by the work that would be undertaken at present in terms of the Department for Environment and Water.

It's worth mentioning that there is a nationally agreed AUSVETPLAN AI response strategy currently, which is being reviewed to address the changing global situation. The National AI Wild Bird Surveillance Program collects surveillance information from around Australia to better understand the epidemiology and risks of AI viruses to Australia. I am advised that the latest sample collection undertaken in South Australia was in July. A national preparedness exercise, Exercise Waterhole, to test Australian laboratory preparedness for several emergency animal diseases, including HPAI, has been undertaken. Then, specifically for the H5N1 HPAI preparedness, a national exercise was held in August, September and October. That was Exercise Volare.