- ‘Bird flu – know what to do’ advertising campaign commences to support Cook Labor Government’s biosecurity response efforts
- Multi-channel initiative to raise community awareness and action
- Perth Royal Show visitors can get a first look and learn more at displays in the Poultry and Farm 2 Food Pavilions
A new H5 bird flu awareness campaign will be launched at the Perth Royal Show to help inform the Western Australian public about the impact of the virus on animals.
With the tagline ‘Bird flu – know what to do’, the multi-channel initiative will be rolled out across radio, social media, public transport, print and digital signage.
The engaging campaign seeks to raise awareness of H5 bird flu and highlights actions the community can take to protect pets and backyard poultry and help manage the impacts on wildlife.
There has been strong community support for the WA Government’s H5 bird flu response, with more than 5,000 reports through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
Showgoers can get a first glimpse of the promotion at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Biosecurity Heroes display in the Farm 2 Food Pavilion.
Visitors can talk with DPIRD staff and learn more about the H5 bird flu response and what they can do to help, while printed material will be available to take home and share.
Information is available on the WA Government’s ‘H5 avian influenza (bird flu) in Western Australia’ website, including weekly updates, an interactive dashboard of reports and detections and a section on human health.
Anyone who sees sick or dead birds or marine mammals should AVOID and not handle the animals but RECORD and take photos or a video and REPORT to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
As stated by Agriculture and Food and Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“This campaign is about giving Western Australians clear, practical information about bird flu and what they can do to help.
“We’ve had incredible support from the community, with more than 5,000 reports to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline helping our teams monitor what is happening across the State.
“If you’re heading to the Royal Show, stop by the Biosecurity Heroes display, have a chat with the DPIRD team and learn what you can do to protect your pets and backyard poultry.”
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“Western Australians have a vital role to play when it comes to bird flu.
“By knowing what to look for and reporting anything unusual, the community can help us detect potential risks early, as well as protect our wildlife, poultry and their own pets.
“We’re extremely thankful to everyone who continues to keep a close watch and report concerns.
“The ‘Bird flu – know what to do’ campaign continues the Cook Labor Government’s preparations for the wider onset of bird flu, with surveillance, planning and response measures already in place.”
