Key Takeaways
- A large number of magpies have died in a backyard in Inala, Brisbane, with 31 birds counted dead since December 14.
- The cause of the deaths is currently unknown, but testing is being conducted at a state biosecurity facility.
- The RSPCA and Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries are investigating the incident, with warnings issued to the public not to touch unwell birds and to report any unusual bird deaths.
- The highly contagious strain of bird flu, H5N1, has not yet been detected in mainland Australia, but experts say it is only a matter of time before it reaches the country.
Introduction to the Incident
Kylie Conroy’s Inala backyard is normally a haven for magpies, with up to 40 birds visiting at any given time. However, earlier this month, the birds started dying, seemingly at random. Conroy has been moving the unwell birds into her backyard and has counted 31 birds who have died in her yard or been taken to the RSPCA wildlife hospital in Wacol. The incident has left Conroy and her neighbors concerned, with many wondering what could be causing the sudden and mysterious deaths.
The Response to the Incident
Conroy’s efforts to get someone to pick up the dead birds and figure out what has killed them have been hindered by bureaucracy. Brisbane City Council sent someone from the roadkill clean-up unit on Christmas Eve, whom Conroy convinced to help bury the birds in the backyard. Eventually, she called the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline, which prompted the RSPCA to send an animal rescue vehicle to the house and take seven of the birds. All of those birds, along with one that Conroy brought to the hospital earlier, were euthanized after their condition worsened. The bodies have been sent to a state biosecurity facility in Coopers Plains for testing.
Investigation and Possible Causes
The RSPCA is investigating the spate of deaths with other relevant authorities, and has urged members of the public not to touch birds they believe are unwell. The RSPCA spokesperson said that people should call the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately if they observe unusual bird deaths or suspect highly pathogenic avian influenza. Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries, which monitors whether bird flu has entered the country, said it was working with the RSPCA. A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said it could investigate the cause of the birds’ deaths once a report was lodged. The highly contagious strain of bird flu, H5N1, has not yet been detected in mainland Australia, but experts say it is only a matter of time before it reaches the country.
The Impact of the Incident
The incident has had a significant impact on Conroy and her neighbors, with many left concerned and wondering what could be causing the sudden and mysterious deaths. Conroy’s yard has become a grave for the neighborhood’s birds, with many of the dead birds buried in the backyard. The incident has also highlighted the importance of reporting unusual bird deaths and the need for the public to be aware of the risks of bird flu. As the investigation into the incident continues, many are left wondering what the cause of the deaths could be and what the implications could be for the community.
The Wider Implications
The incident in Inala is not an isolated one, with many countries around the world experiencing outbreaks of bird flu. The highly contagious strain of bird flu, H5N1, has spread across much of Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Antarctica, killing hundreds of millions of birds and at least tens of thousands of mammals. The incident in Inala highlights the need for vigilance and the importance of reporting unusual bird deaths. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the risk of disease transmission across borders and between species also increases. The incident in Inala serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and taking action to prevent the spread of disease.
Conclusion
The incident in Inala is a concerning one, with many left wondering what could be causing the sudden and mysterious deaths of the magpies. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is essential that the public remains vigilant and reports any unusual bird deaths. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared and taking action to prevent the spread of disease, and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the world and the risks of disease transmission. As the world waits to see what the cause of the deaths could be, one thing is certain – the incident in Inala will have a lasting impact on the community and will serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and taking action to prevent the spread of disease.
