No new bird flu cases despite testing as far north as Geraldton
West Australian Agricultural Minister Jackie Jarvis says there have been no new positive cases of bird flu in the state despite investigations into samples taken from birds in the Perth metropolitan area and as far north as Geraldton.
More than 100 reports have been made to the emergency animal disease hotline since the first confirmed positive case was announced on Friday last week.
However, Jarvis said the state’s figures remained at the two positive cases previously reported from an isolated area east of Esperance.
“On Monday, the 22nd of June, there were 36 reports to the animal emergency disease hotline,” she said.
“Importantly, only two of these reports required further investigation, and these samples have been collected.
“These samples include from two wild sea birds, a cormorant in the Perth metropolitan area, and a giant petrel in Geraldton.”
Jarvis said there have been no reports of large-scale mortality at this stage.
“There is no evidence the virus has spread, but we have asked the community to remain alert and follow advice about reported sick or dead birds or marine mammals,” she said.
“Preliminary results from all samples will be made public when available.
“It’s important we continue to test to determine if the disease has spread, but also to clarify where the disease has not spread.”