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LOCAL LIFE
NSW bird flu response in
Hawkesbury and around ACT pulls back after clean-up
The NSW Government today announced the easing of emergency zones in the Hawkesbury and around the ACT , as biosecurity clean up actions to eradicate high pathogenic avian influenza ( HPAI ) H7N8 strain enter the final phase .
From Thursday 29 August the emergency zone significantly reduced in size with many properties which were in the emergency zone no longer needing permits for moving birds , poultry products , feed and equipment .
Emergency zones have been made smaller around the two chicken and egg farm sites , and four backyard chicken sites that were near those farms , as biosecurity specialists complete their decontamination activities .
In addition , the NSW emergency order to manage the avian influenza detection in the ACT has also been revoked .
The Government ’ s avian influenza response and eradication actions in the Hawkesbury included :
• 4,016 samples tested
• 76,000 text messages to property owners
• 1,500 targeted surveillance letters sent to backyard bird owners
• 500-plus property surveillance contacts
• 300-plus Emergency Animal Disease phone calls received
• 15 community events with educational support for schools , pet shops and local veterinarians , pop-up stalls and webinars The NSW Government ’ s ongoing commitment to biosecurity and primary industries , will see work continue closely with stakeholders to monitor the situation and help prevent any future outbreaks . With the easing of
emergency zones , poultry farmers and pet bird owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended biosecurity practices .
NSW Minister for Agriculture , Tara Moriarty said :
“ Thanks must go to the community and poultry industry for assisting our government in getting this outbreak under control so swiftly .
“ Their exceptional efforts and vigilance in reporting , adhering to biosecurity measures and cooperating with the biosecurity emergency orders has allowed these zone changes . This collective effort has been crucial in protecting the health and safety of our poultry and egg industries .”
If you notice any unusual symptoms in your birds , please contact a veterinarian or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline , 1800 675 888 . Information is available online at : https :// www . dpi . nsw . gov . au / animals-and-livestock / poultry-and-birds / health-disease / avian-influenza
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4 ISSUE 172 // SEPTEMBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT