Bird flu could wipe out Ballarat’s black swans, but experts say preparedness offers hope

Black swans die every time they're infected with bird flu due to an immune system deficiency - and the highly infectious H5N1 strain has now been detected in three Australian states, putting Ballarat's iconic Lake Wendouree population at risk.

But local wildlife veterinary experts and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action of Victoria (DEECA) say a coordinated effort could remove some of the risk. 

❓What happened: The black swan is a well-known emblem in Australia, particularly across Western Australia. In Victoria, the bird has become synonymous with Ballarat due to their prevalence in Wadawurrung culture, and the highly visible population at Lake Wendouree. 

• Concerns have been raised after bird flu was detected in Western Australia in mid-June. It’s now additionally been detected in New South Wales and South Australia. 

• The virus has killed hundreds of millions of birds across the globe since 2021, with some species projected to take decades to recover. 

• Black swans are particularly susceptible to bird flu.

• A 2023 study found an immune system deficiency causes bird flu to kill every black swan it infects. It cited the isolation of the species to a concentrated geographic area causing a “limited immune repertoire”, which essentially means the species has an increased vulnerability to infectious diseases that originate outside of Australia. 

Why it matters: Should the virus arrive in Victoria, it could cause a mass mortality event for black swans. 

What can be done? Nikki Shanahan, Hospital Director at Ballarat Wildlife Hospital, said that while the arrival of the virus in Australia is creating anxiety and uncertainty, there is help available. 

🗣️: “Our message is simple: if you find injured, sick or orphaned wildlife, please do not assume there is nowhere to take it. Contact Ballarat Wildlife Hospital or Wildlife Victoria for advice.” 

Shanahan also told the Brolga that local rescuers and carers have begun attending training sessions to ensure their Personal Protective Equipment is in order and their hygiene, transport and carrier protocols are suitable. 

DEECA told the Brolga it’s been engaged with the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance program for many years, and they have begun internal planning for priority locations in Victoria. 

🗣️: “Victoria has been preparing for a potential bird flu outbreak,” the spokesperson said. “This includes being engaged heavily with industry and stakeholders on the importance of good biosecurity and how to report to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline.” 

“The Victorian Government has invested more than $130 million to boost our preparedness to respond to biosecurity threats, including emergency animal diseases.” 

What next: DEECA said the key is to record and report any ill wildlife directly using the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888, especially clusters of five or more sick and dead wild birds. 

🗣️: “While there is no current evidence of H5 bird flu in Victoria, the interstate detections reinforce the need for prompt reporting.”

For more information on bird flu, head here.