Monash University experts are available to discuss the spread of H5 bird flu and its implications across native bird populations, agriculture, farming and general preparedness.
Professor Anne Peters, specialist in the behaviour ecology and conservation of birds, Deputy Head of School of Biological Sciences, Monash University
Contact details: +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
Read more Analysis and Opinion from Professor Peters
The following can be attributed to Professor Peters:
“Regarding the flu being detected in silver gulls, this is obviously very concerning. These seagulls are what many people know as the 'fish & chip' gull, i.e. they are common, range widely, from the beach to the cities to far inland and remote locations, including close to humans and livestock, and many other species that are potentially vulnerable. Hence the notion of the gulls being superspreaders. They have the potential to carry the virus to vulnerable populations.
“Superspreaders are individuals or species that have a disproportionate effect on the risk of infectious disease emergence and spread. A most famous case of superspreading is Typhoid Mary, for example.
“Super spreading can come about if animals move around a lot, and they also do this while they are infected, already sick and spreading the virus. Superspreading can also happen if infected animals can carry and spread the disease, without getting sick, or taking a long time to get sick. Ducks are among the birds that have slightly different immune molecules, and they have been known to be such 'silent' carriers.
“So while mass mortality events could be what we are most scared of, finding active viruses in birds that aren't sick at all, would also be extremely worrying for what it could mean for what is coming.
“Unfortunately, very many of our birds but also mammals, for example seals and sea lions, but also dolphins, are known to be at great risk of mass mortalities. Waterbirds, shorebirds and scavengers have been shown to be vulnerable in other continents, with extremely distressing mass mortality events, and risk of extinctions for already highly threatened species.”
Professor Melodie McGeoch, School of Biological Sciences and Securing Antarctica's Environment Future, Monash University
Contact details: +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
Read more Analysis and Opinion from Professor McGeoch
The following can be attributed to Professor McGeoch:
“One of the most important steps to take in the face of serious ecological disruptors, including avian influenza, is to collect real-time data for early detection and rapid response –a bit like what we saw happening with humans during COVID-19.
“We are fortunate in Australia that we already have state-of-the-art wildlife data expertise that can be activated speedily. These include iNaturalist and similar citizen science apps that link directly to the Atlas of Living Australia data infrastructure.
“The job can't always be left to the government alone – researchers, citizen scientists and members of the public could have a critical role to play. Early detection and rapid response depends on having eyes on the ground everywhere.
“A record of where the disease is NOT present is often as essential as a record of disease for accurate predictions about the rate of spread and hot spots – it’s what we call an absence record.
“This 'evidence of absence' can be recorded by submitting a data point on the presence or absence of a bird, and if a bird is healthy or sick.
“Not only could we all play a part, but the information each person gathers could be rapidly transmitted to where it is needed: to analysts, modellers and decision makers.”
Associate Professor Vinod RMT Balasubramaniam, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia
Contact details: +60 11 1148 5871 or [email protected]
Read more from Associate Professor Balasubramaniam on Analysis and Opinion
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Virology, evolution and pandemic relevance of H5N1
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Implications for native birds, wildlife and One Health preparedness
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Agriculture, poultry biosecurity and practical public communication
The following can be attributed to Associate Professor Balasubramaniam:
“H5 bird flu in Australia should be viewed with vigilance, not panic. The current detections remain in wild birds, with no evidence at this stage of infection in poultry or agricultural production systems, and the risk to the general public remains low.
“However, H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is scientifically important because it has caused major global impacts in wild birds, poultry and some mammals. Australia now needs rapid genomic surveillance, strong poultry biosecurity, protection for wildlife responders, and clear public messaging. The key is to prevent wildlife detections from becoming wider ecological, agricultural or mammalian establishments.”
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For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]