Ms CARNEY - 2005-08-25
Without being alarmist - , and the opposition sincerely means that - , as you are aware, the World Health Organisation has reported that wild geese are now carrying bird flu;, specifically the deadly H5N1 virus. As you would also be aware, health experts are warning of an imminent pandemic from bird flu. I understand that magpie geese and other water fowl migrate between the Top End and Indonesia and other Asian countries. Can you advise what steps your government is taking to prevent infection spreading to Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is a very valid question from the Leader of the Opposition. However, I do not carriage of that area. The Minister for Health does have an answer, so I will refer it to him.
Dr TOYNE (Health): Madam Speaker, yes, it is quite true to say that there is a real threat of Asian bird flu entering this country at some time in the foreseeable future. There is certainly no sign that it has to date. There have been some cases of humans contracting this flu strain in Asia. There is quite a high level of alert around the world about this particular virus, as it can easily mutate further and become a virulent strain of flu affecting human beings.
We are part of a national process preparing Australia as a whole to combat an outbreak of this particular flu strain. National stocks of vaccines are being built up as we speak. There are arrangements in place for the response that each area of Australia would take in the event of a case turning up, particularly coming in through overseas air flights and into our ports, which are the most likely places that it would occur. It is also quite true to say that wild birds could potentially bring this bug into Australia.
We have a network of sentinel chickens spread out around the Northern Territory patrolling our interests. They would certainly be a place where you would expect the virus might turn up if it is being borne through the bird population.
We are very aware of the threat. We are very strongly involved in the national preparations to combat a flu outbreak if it does reach Australia. Tarun Weeramanthri, our Chief Health Officer, is part of the national body that is preparing the country for this. Very detailed response plans have been drawn up which will be used throughout Australia. There is a series of stages of response, from the immediate isolation of cases through to immunisation of people who will come into contact with affected people. We are progressing it very strongly at the moment.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is a very valid question from the Leader of the Opposition. However, I do not carriage of that area. The Minister for Health does have an answer, so I will refer it to him.
Dr TOYNE (Health): Madam Speaker, yes, it is quite true to say that there is a real threat of Asian bird flu entering this country at some time in the foreseeable future. There is certainly no sign that it has to date. There have been some cases of humans contracting this flu strain in Asia. There is quite a high level of alert around the world about this particular virus, as it can easily mutate further and become a virulent strain of flu affecting human beings.
We are part of a national process preparing Australia as a whole to combat an outbreak of this particular flu strain. National stocks of vaccines are being built up as we speak. There are arrangements in place for the response that each area of Australia would take in the event of a case turning up, particularly coming in through overseas air flights and into our ports, which are the most likely places that it would occur. It is also quite true to say that wild birds could potentially bring this bug into Australia.
We have a network of sentinel chickens spread out around the Northern Territory patrolling our interests. They would certainly be a place where you would expect the virus might turn up if it is being borne through the bird population.
We are very aware of the threat. We are very strongly involved in the national preparations to combat a flu outbreak if it does reach Australia. Tarun Weeramanthri, our Chief Health Officer, is part of the national body that is preparing the country for this. Very detailed response plans have been drawn up which will be used throughout Australia. There is a series of stages of response, from the immediate isolation of cases through to immunisation of people who will come into contact with affected people. We are progressing it very strongly at the moment.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016