A suspected case of bird flu forced a “partial lockdown” at a Wynyard school on Wednesday, with students pulled from play areas after a sick and a dead bird were found on the grounds.
St Brigid’s Catholic School contacted the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and cordoned off the area as a precaution.
“We currently have a bird onsite that appears to be unwell as well as a deceased bird,” the school told parents in a notice.
“Following previously given advice, we went into a partial lockdown to remove our students from the play areas.”
Pick-up arrangements were shifted to the church car park, with the front drop-off area closed to vehicles.
A Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania spokesperson said the agency received a report of a dead bird at a school in the north-west on Wednesday.
“We are working with the school to provide appropriate advice and support,” the spokesperson told Pulse.
The incident comes as H5 bird flu continues to spread across Tasmania, with 33 confirmed sites since the virus was first detected at Rocky Cape in mid-August.
The department has also urged pet and domestic bird owners to voluntarily register where their birds are kept to strengthen the state’s preparedness.
State Controller Justin Helmich said the information would help Biosecurity Tasmania contact owners quickly if further detections occur.
“H5 bird flu is present in Tasmania and we expect to see more detections in new areas of the state,” he said.
“Providing your details now will help us contact bird owners to provide important updates and practical advice about H5 bird flu and any measures that may affect bird owners in Tasmania.”
Commercial poultry producers do not need to participate.
The virus has not been detected in any domestic or commercial poultry in Tasmania and chicken meat and eggs remain safe to eat.
Anyone who sees sick or dead birds should avoid contact and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
