Macquarie Marshes landholders prepare for arrival of bird flu
Landholders in Australia's Macquarie Marshes are preparing for a potential bird flu outbreak, expressing concern that feral animals like pigs and cats could accelerate the spread. A community meeting is scheduled to discuss biosecurity measures.
Why it matters
Managing the spread of H5 bird flu is vital for protecting biodiversity and preventing potential agricultural and ecological disasters.
The Macquarie Marshes support large and diverse populations of waterbirds. ( ABC Western Plains: Kim Goldsmith )
Feral pigs, foxes and cats could make a bird flu outbreak harder to contain in the Macquarie Marshes, with landholders calling for greater coordination to control feral animals.
Scientists say an outbreak could devastate vulnerable waterbird populations, while landholders are seeking clearer information about how to prepare and respond.
A community information session will be held in Warren next week to give landholders advice about preparing and responding to a potential outbreak.
Link copied Share Share article H5 bird flu is yet to reach the Macquarie Marshes, but landholders fear the region's feral pig problem could make an outbreak harder to contain.
The internationally recognised wetlands, near Warren in central north-west NSW, provide habitat for tens of thousands of waterbirds, including many threatened species.
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