Council’s Biosecurity team is encouraging the community to remain vigilant and report sick or dead wild birds as part of ongoing surveillance for avian influenza (bird flu).
H5 bird flu has recently been detected in Queensland, however there are currently no known cases in Cook Shire. Reporting suspected cases helps authorities monitor bird health and respond quickly should the disease be detected locally.
Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. Suspected cases in birds must be reported immediately to Biosecurity Queensland.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Signs may include:
- sudden or unexplained death
- difficulty standing or flying
- lack of coordination, tremors or unusual movements
- twisted necks or abnormal posture
- difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
- swelling around the head, neck or eyes
- diarrhoea
- cloudiness or changes in eye colour.
If you find a sick or dead wild bird:
- Avoid contact: Do not touch, move or collect it.
- Record what you see: If safe, note the location, number and type of birds, date and time. Take a photo if possible.
- Report it immediately.
How to report
During business hours:
Contact Biosecurity Queensland online, by phone or in person.
After hours:
Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
People who own or care for poultry should also review their biosecurity practices, keep domestic birds separated from wild birds, and report unusual illness or sudden deaths.
For more information: