Tasmanians can now track where bird flu has been detected across the state through a new online dashboard and interactive map.
Launched by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the tool brings together data on testing, positive detections and reports, with the map showing affected areas over a rolling 14-day period.
Users can zoom in on their area to see where detections have occurred, while individual properties are not shown to protect privacy.
The suburb where a detection occurred is displayed instead.
State Controller Justin Helmich said the dashboard was part of the department’s commitment to providing clear and timely information.
“People want accurate information they can trust, especially when there is concern about animal disease in their area,” he said.
“This information helps people understand what’s happening in their local area and make decisions about what measures they may need to take to protect their pet birds.”
He urged Tasmanians to keep reporting sick or dead birds, including in areas where the virus has already been detected.
“Reporting remains an important part of our surveillance to monitor how the disease is moving across Tasmania and which species are affected,” he said.
“We won’t need to collect and test every animal reported but these reports are important and help inform how we evolve our response efforts.”
The dashboard is designed for community members, poultry owners, farmers and business operators as the H5 bird flu strain continues to spread.
The virus has been detected at 33 confirmed sites since mid-August, reaching the north-west, King Island, the east coast, Flinders Island and inland areas in the state’s north.
Anyone who sees sick or dead birds should avoid contact, record what they see and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or report online.
The dashboard is available at nre.tas.gov.au/BirdFlu.
