Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects birds, including poultry. Recently, there have been significant developments in the detection and management of this disease in Australia, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Recent Outbreaks and Measures
The current detections involve the H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) strain. This strain is different from the H5 HPAI strain that has been causing severe impacts on poultry, wild birds, and mammals overseas. To control the spread, movement restrictions have been implemented around infected premises, limiting the movement of birds, poultry products, feed, and equipment.
Biosecurity and Reporting
Biosecurity measures are crucial in preventing the spread of Avian Influenza. Poultry farmers are advised to maintain strict biosecurity practices to keep their birds healthy and safe. This includes managing biosecurity risks on farms and promptly reporting any signs of Avian Influenza. In Queensland, signs of the disease should be reported immediately to the relevant authorities.
Wash mats are a foam sided bund that allow vehicles to drive into the bund for sanitation prior to entering and leaving facilities linked to Avian Flu outbreak.
What Is a Wash Mat?
Wash mats are essential tools used in both portable car washing services and permanent wash bay facilities. Manufactured from either high-quality PVC or reinforced polypropylene coated fabric, these mats are designed for longevity. They come in standard dimensions to suit cars or trucks but can also be custom-made to meet specific requirements. The bund walls, made from 75mm high continuous foam sides, can be driven over and walked on, making them highly practical.
How Do Wash Mats Help?
- Preventing Virus Spread: Vehicles, footwear, and equipment that come into contact with infected birds or contaminated environments can easily carry the virus to new locations. To mitigate this risk, vehicles are required to be washed down with water, soap, and 3% citric acid after coming in contact with chickens or other poultry. Wash mats ensure that these surfaces are disinfected before they leave the premises, significantly reducing the risk of spreading the virus.
- Enhancing Biosecurity: By incorporating wash mats into daily routines, farms can maintain higher biosecurity standards. This simple yet effective measure acts as a first line of defence, preventing the virus from entering or leaving the farm.
- Cost-Effective Solution: They provide a cost-effective way to protect the poultry industry and safeguard public health. In Victoria and Tasmania, breaching biosecurity measures can result in significant penalties:
Victoria: Under the Biosecurity Act 2019, penalties for non-compliance can include fines and imprisonment. For serious breaches, such as intentional or reckless actions that cause significant biosecurity impacts, the penalties can be as high as $63,000 and/or up to five years imprisonment.Tasmania: Similar to Victoria, Tasmania’s Biosecurity Act 2019 imposes strict penalties. A significant breach of the general biosecurity duty can result in fines up to 3750 penalty units for a corporation or two years’ imprisonment for an individual.
These stringent penalties underscore the importance of adhering to biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of diseases like avian influenza. - Ease of Use: Wash mats are easy to install and maintain. For best results, a vehicle wash mat should be used with a geotextile underlay to prevent damage. If an underlay is not possible, the mat can be manufactured using reinforced polypropylene fabric for extra durability. This mat is made from puncture-resistant reinforced polypropylene fabric, ensuring exceptional durability.
- Integration with Water Treatment Systems: A car wash mat or truck wash mat can be easily integrated into a water treatment system to provide a low-cost wash bay solution. The mats have raised sides to hold the wastewater, and a submersible pump can be used to direct the wastewater to a suitable disposal location or storage tank.
Implementing wash mats as part of a comprehensive biosecurity strategy is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity in the ongoing efforts to control and prevent avian flu outbreaks.
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