HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 187 December 2025 | Page 34

LIVING ON THE LAND

NSW residents encouraged to be alert to

signs of avian influenza in poultry

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development( DPIRD) is encouraging everyone to be alert to signs of avian influenza in commercial and domestic poultry, and wildlife.
Australia remains free from the H5N1 strain that is causing concern globally. There is a risk the disease may be introduced by wild birds that migrate to Australia. This is a year round threat that increases during spring.
NSW has comprehensive preparedness
and response plans for H5 avian influenza( also referred to as H5 bird flu) which are aligned with the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan( AUSVETPLAN) strategy.
The H5N1 strain could have devastating impacts on the state’ s poultry industry, and flow on to food supply.
It also poses a risk to our wildlife, as the H5 strain causes illness and mortality in wild bird species, and some mammals, particularly marine mammals.
Humans can be infected with avian influenza, however, the risk to the public
from H5 bird flu is expected to be very low. The majority of reported human cases have involved close contact with infected birds.
Signs of avian influenza in poultry and wildlife include:- Sudden deaths- Coughing / sneezing- Swelling around the head or eyes- Birds with abnormal posture or balance- A drop in egg production in poultry If you see any unusual sickness or deaths in your poultry flock, or wildlife, contact your local vet, Local Land Services, or call or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
It’ s important to prevent direct contact between wild birds and domestic poultry, their feed and water sources and bedding material. Additional biosecurity measures include ensuring housing areas, feeders and water containers are kept clean, and storing feed safely to avoid contamination. New birds should be quarantined for at least 30 days before allowing contact with your existing poultry flock.
NSW recently secured $ 2.18 million in Australian Government funding to strengthen our preparedness, which is allowing the state to invest in critical response equipment and activities.
The NSW Department of Climate
Change, Energy, the Environment and Water( DCCEEW) is working to minimise the impact of H5 on native wildlife, with plans to support and protect our threatened and endangered species.
The H7 strains of avian influenza have previously impacted the NSW commercial poultry industry but were successfully managed through rapid emergency response action.
For more information on avian influenza visit: www. dpi. nsw. gov. au / dpi / biosecurity / animal-biosecurity / avianinfluenza.
NSW DPIRD Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Jo Coombe said,
“ Australia remains free from the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, but if it were to arrive( via migratory birds) it could have a devastating impact on our poultry industries and unique wildlife.”
“ The DPIRD, in close collaboration with DCCEEW, continues to prepare for this biosecurity threat. Comprehensive plans are in place which align with the AUSVETPLAN strategies and focus on a rapid emergency response.”
“ Biosecurity is everyone’ s responsibility. Simple actions, such as reporting unusual deaths and keeping poultry separated from wild birds, help to protect our environment, industries and communities.”

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS

Five minute nature crosswords

by Lachlan Turner
Readers of my Hidden in the Hills columns each month have been introduced to many aspects of the diversity found in the local Hills District bushland areas.
Over recent years I have written a selection of short publications relating to environmental sustainability, organic gardening practices and general bushland knowledge. Some of these publications have been prepared with younger children and adults in mind, in that several of the booklets contain puzzles and activities for them to work through, in a fun way, learning more about what may be discovered in local bushland areas and around the home.
This month’ s column introduces the booklet entitled Five Minute Crosswords which features crosswords and observation skills; solutions are provided. Some are quite simple to solve, whereas others may require a little more thoughtful effort.
As school holidays are approaching, the activities contained in this booklet could be an interesting and handy diversion for a rainy day when there may not be a great deal to keep the youngsters busy.
Five Minute Crosswords can be accessed free of charge from my Flipbook library, on-line at the following link, https:// online. fliphtml5. com / awdd / zypr /
Enter this link, press enter and the book will open. Click on the arrows at the sides to progress through the book. Readers may prefer to pick up a free hard copy at The Community Environment Centre, Currie Avenue, Annangrove on any Thursday or Saturday. A range of other free activity books with an environmental focus are also available.

Fire alert, watch out

People who live in the Hills area are often close to National Park reserves. We can’ t help notice the way trees are starting to experience extreme moisture stress- just watch the leaves falling.
Those leaves evolve into a mat that can become a bed for flying embers. Sweep up the leaves, don’ t leave them lying around. Get Aussie Pumps Fire Survival Guide. It’ s FREE and is available from all the best pump outlets in the area.
Make sure your property and family are safe; it’ s not too late.
Protect your horse It’ s widely known that the biggest concentration of equine activity is in Sydney’ s Hills district. Anywhere from Galston or Kenthurst through to the river, and back to Windsor and Richmond.
Horses are beautiful and elegant and that is why we love them. Here are some pointers for how to keep your horses safe.
Choose a suitable low risk area and move stock before extreme fire danger. Ensure there is adequate water and fodder in case they need to stay for a long period. Horses should be in an open paddock so they can move freely. Remove rugs and halters with plastic or metal fittings and consider using a rope holder.
For possible identification, spray paint your mobile number on their coat. Don’ t open gates that allow stock to access public roads. Contact Primary Industries for further information.
All of this and loads more is in Aussie’ s Fire Survival Guide. Get your copy and start planning and acting now.
34 ISSUE 176 // DECEMBER 2025 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS! theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT