Sally Furniss
Well-known member
Duck shooters asked to lookout for bird flu signs
With Tasmania's duck season starting tomorrow, shooters are being asked to check wild ducks for any signs of bird flu.
The state's chief vet, Rod Andrewartha, says while bird flu is not present in Australia, duck hunters are in the perfect position to check for anything unusual, such as a large number of dead birds.
He says the risk of the disease spreading to Australia is low but it is important to be vigilant.
"We don't expect that they will see anything along the lines of avian influenza," he said.
"But it's a case of they're out there looking, so if they do see it, it's important that we find out."
Dr Andrewartha says it is important that duck shooters wear gloves and masks if they are handling birds that appear diseased.
With Tasmania's duck season starting tomorrow, shooters are being asked to check wild ducks for any signs of bird flu.
The state's chief vet, Rod Andrewartha, says while bird flu is not present in Australia, duck hunters are in the perfect position to check for anything unusual, such as a large number of dead birds.
He says the risk of the disease spreading to Australia is low but it is important to be vigilant.
"We don't expect that they will see anything along the lines of avian influenza," he said.
"But it's a case of they're out there looking, so if they do see it, it's important that we find out."
Dr Andrewartha says it is important that duck shooters wear gloves and masks if they are handling birds that appear diseased.
Last edited by a moderator: