Twenty-eight dead penguins and three dead crested terns have been found at the Port of Grassy on King Island as authorities ramp up their response to H5 bird flu in Tasmania.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania is deploying additional staff to the island to strengthen surveillance and collection efforts.
Incident Controller Wes Ford said the birds were discovered on Wednesday.
“Unfortunately, our surveillance team found 28 dead penguins and three dead crested terns at the Port of Grassy on King Island yesterday,” he said.
“Tasmanians care deeply about our wildlife and particularly our penguins, so we understand that reports like these may be distressing for the community.”
Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, with results expected during the week.
Staff planned to collect the dead birds today to reduce the risk of transmission.
Ford said Tasmania’s confirmed positive detections of H5 bird flu remained at 11, spread across King Island, Rocky Cape, Burnie and Sulphur Creek since August 12.
The most recent confirmed case was a crested tern at Rocky Cape.
All 11 cases have been found along the north-west coast or on King Island, with species detected including crested terns, silver gulls and a brown skua.
“We expect to continue receiving reports of sick and dead birds on King Island, along the north West Coast and in other parts of Tasmania,” Ford said.
“That is why ongoing surveillance, monitoring and testing remain critical.”
He stressed there was no evidence of a mass mortality event in Tasmania and no detections in poultry, saying chicken and eggs remain safe to eat.
Ford urged Tasmanians to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to keep cats indoors or in secure enclosures.
Dog owners should keep pets on leads and prevent them from investigating dead wildlife.
The risk of H5 bird flu to people in Tasmania remains low, according to the Department of Health.
Anyone who spots sick or dead wildlife should call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
