Portland, Victoria – The rugged south-west coast, home to Australia's sole mainland colony of gannets at Point Danger, is on high alert as the deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza inches closer. This majestic flock of approximately 300 seabirds, typically a spectacle of aerial acrobatics and powerful ocean dives, is now under constant, anxious surveillance by local community members and state authorities.

Mike Risk, a dedicated member of the Point Danger Committee of Management and a passionate educator about the gannet colony, leads the local watch. Usually, his gaze is one of admiration; now, it's one of vigilant concern. "We're monitoring constantly, obviously looking for any signs of illness or death," Mr Risk stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Community Vigilance and a Looming Threat

The urgency stems from the recent confirmation of a positive H5N1 case just across the Victorian-South Australian border in Robe, a mere 200 kilometres north-west of the Portland colony. This proximity has heightened fears that the virus could spread to Victoria's precious native bird populations.

The devastating impact of H5N1 on gannet colonies overseas serves as a stark warning. In Europe, studies have revealed that populations at some of the world's largest gannet breeding grounds, such as Bass Rock in Scotland and Grassholm in Wales, have been decimated, with recovery not anticipated until 2041 at the earliest. Mr Risk, while hopeful for some natural immunity among his beloved gannets, fears a similar fate. He stresses the vital role of citizen scientists in this critical period. "It's impossible for authorities to cover everything, so this is where citizen scientists come into our own; we're out there looking," he explained.

High-Tech Aerial Surveillance Deployed

Recognising the widespread nature of the threat, the state government has mobilised its top resources, deploying advanced surveillance technology. The Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) is now utilising a specially equipped helicopter, featuring the latest video and infrared capabilities, to scour Victoria's extensive coastline for any signs of infected birds.

Stephen Salathiel, an aerial intelligence-gathering mapper for DEECA, detailed the scale of the operation. The helicopter covers an impressive 250 to 300 kilometres daily, providing crucial real-time information. "If we see anything unusual, we can radio it in immediately to speak to ground crews," Mr Salathiel confirmed. This rapid communication allows DEECA staff to act swiftly, as Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd elaborated. "In some cases, that might involve further testing or sampling of that colony, or that bird nesting area," Mr Todd added, highlighting the department's proactive approach.

Understanding the Evolving Avian Flu Threat

While Australia has previously dealt with avian influenza outbreaks, such as the H7 strain that led to the culling of millions of chickens, the H5N1 variant presents a different and more serious threat to native wildlife. Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cook pointed out that this new variant is behaving differently, making early detection and surveillance more critical than ever.

Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle has issued a direct appeal to all Victorians to join the monitoring efforts. She urged anyone who observes a dead mammal or seabird to immediately contact DEECA. "We need everyone in Victoria protecting our wildlife," Minister Settle emphasised, reinforcing the collective responsibility in safeguarding the state's natural heritage against this formidable threat.