Collaborative wildlife disease outbreak investigation and response at Bells Swamp Victoria, February 2023.

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Pub Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0370616 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1751-0813 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00050423 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Aust Vet J Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell Pub.
Original Publication: New South Wales : Australian Veterinary Association

Disease Outbreaks*/veterinary ; Animals, Wild* ; Bird Diseases*/epidemiology ; Bird Diseases*/virology; Animals ; Victoria/epidemiology ; Birds ; Wetlands ; Animals, Zoo

In February 2023, a report of morbidity and mortality in waterbirds triggered a collaborative regional wildlife disease outbreak investigation and response, led by Parks Victoria. Triage, rehabilitation and diagnosis of sick and dead birds were undertaken by Zoos Victoria (ZV), Agriculture Victoria, Vets for Compassion, Wildlife Victoria and Melbourne Veterinary School (MVS). The field response focused on collection of sick and dead birds for wildlife welfare, for diagnosis, and to reduce environmental contamination. Botulism was suspected, based on clinical signs and lack of significant gross pathology, and this diagnosis was confirmed by PCR testing. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses non H5 or H7 were detected in two birds and ruled out in all in others tested. These incidental, non-clinical LPAI detections are considered part of the natural wild bird virus community in Australia. A number of elements contributed to the collaborative effort. Regional individuals had the necessary connections for reporting, collecting and transporting birds. There was rapid determination by the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) that Parks Victoria, as the land managers, should lead the response. Zoos Victoria provided capacity and expertise in wildlife triage and rehabilitation, and Agriculture Victoria, ZV and MVS were responsible for veterinary management of the response and diagnosis. Field investigation and response were conducted by Parks Victoria, Agriculture Victoria, MVS and veterinary teams from Vets for Compassion and Wildlife Victoria. Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) provided guidance and information, approved National Significant Disease Investigation Program funding and captured the event in the national wildlife health information database. Communication and media were important for community understanding of the event.
(© 2024 The Author(s). Australian Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.)

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National Significant Disease Investigation program (Animal Health Australia)

Keywords: botulism; outbreak investigation; waterbirds; wildlife disease response

Date Created: 20240805 Date Completed: 20241001 Latest Revision: 20241001

20241003

10.1111/avj.13364

39099130