Avian Influenza update
There is currently an increased risk to Australia from High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI/ H5N1).
This is a notably more virulent strain of Avian Influenza than the H7N3 strain detected in May, 2024, at a mixed free-range and cage bird egg farm in Victoria.
While the risk of transmission to Lord Howe Island is assessed as being low, the LHIB team will be closely monitoring both the national and global HPAI situation.
HPAI is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting avian species. It is also capable of infecting a wide range of mammals (e.g. marine mammals). It rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.
HPAI is a nationally notifiable disease which means if you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it.
If you see unusual signs of disease or suspect an exotic disease in your poultry, or in any wild birds that you may encounter, immediately call the Lord Howe Island Board Biosecurity team (02) 6563 2055 who will contact the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) hotline to trigger an appropriate response.
DO NOT touch or move sick or dead birds (unless instructed to by authorities).
The main clinical signs of HPAI in birds, which can include any or a combination of the following, are:
- sudden and rapid increase in the number of dead birds
- a number of birds in the same area showing the same symptoms
- swollen head
- closed and excessively watery eyes
- discoloured or loose watery droppings
- drooping of the wings or dragging of legs
- twisting of the head and neck
- haemorrhages on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck
- tremors
- respiratory distress such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (sneezing sound), gurgling or rattling
- lethargy and depression
- unresponsiveness
- incoordination and loss of balance.
LHIB is in consultation with Biodiversity Conservation and Science Division within DCCEEW, and the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, associated with Taronga Conservation Society Australia, and have developed a draft risk mitigation and response plan outlining:
- procedures that will allow for the early detection of HPAI in birds on Lord Howe Island
- response kit to prepare the LHIB Environment unit for any potential outbreaks
- enhanced biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk to human, animal and environmental health posed by HPAI
- protocols for communication, surveillance and reporting in line with relevant legislation, animal welfare and workplace health and safety.
- Import of any avian species to the Island will require prior approval and screening from LHIB team. The avian import policy can be found here.
Phytophthora update
Periodic Island wide sampling for Phytophthora was conducted during September by scientists from PlantClinic, the plant disease diagnostic service of Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
This follows sampling visits in April, 2024 (107 samples), and in June, 2024 (nine samples), which covered the Mt Gower track and summit. It is estimated that 200 additional samples will be taken and analysed following on from this trip.
In addition to the field sampling work, the scientists held community information sessions to outline the nature of the threat of Phytophthora to the unique plant communities found on the Island. This was an opportunity for community members to raise concerns and gain a clear understanding of the importance of sanitary measures to prevent the spread of the pathogen.
A total of nine Phytophthora species have been detected on the Island to date. This includes Phytophthora multivora and Phytophthora cinnamomi, which are of noted concern.
An updated Phytophthora management plan for the Island is being prepared. This will include procedures to limit the spread of the pathogen into the protected areas. It will include a strategy that will ensure the protection of these unique plant communities into the future.
How you can help
There are currently no known methods to eradicate Phytophthora, so preventing further spread is the key strategy to reduce impact. Please ensure that you continue to carry out sanitation protocols, including using all boot scrub stations whenever they are encountered and staying on marked trails.
To protect the unique ecosystems in the Southern Mountains, do not access the Mt Gower track unless accompanied by a licensed guide or for management reasons to ensure additional hygiene practices can be implemented.
LHIB are working to install additional sanitising stations beyond the limit of detection.
Invitation to celebrate Lord Howe Island’s conservation story
Join us in celebrating the community’s dedication to conservation on Lord Howe Island!
For over 100 years, the Lord Howe Island community has been committed to environmental protection and conservation. Many of the projects we continue today were initiated by individuals or community groups who recognised the need for sustainable solutions and took action to achieve them.
The community’s dedication to preserving the Island’s natural environment has played a crucial role in its success in eradicating invasive species and protecting its unique biodiversity. Notable achievements include the eradication of pigs in the 1980s, goats and cats in the 2000s, and rodents between 2019 and 2021, as well as the 20-year weed eradication program.
Lord Howe Island was recognised with World Heritage listing in 1982 for outstanding natural beauty and significant biodiversity and our conservation successes serve as a model that can inspire and guide other communities around the world.
By showcasing the Island’s history of biodiversity restoration through photography, presentations, and interactive forums, we aim to showcase the stewardship of residents, recognise achievements to date, encourage ongoing community engagement, and discuss the importance of biosecurity measures to protect what has been achieved.
When: Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 November, 2024.
Where: LHI Community Hall and online
A full event schedule will be announced soon. The event will celebrate:
- rich history of Island stewardship by the LHI Community
- successful history of eradications (pigs, goats, cats, rodents, weeds)
- the conclusion of the LHI REP and launch of the REP Lessons Learned Report
- the biosecurity journey and into the future
- enhancing biodiversity on LHI.
We look forward to seeing you at the event.
Memorable celebrations of Island airstrip
The 50th anniversary of the Island’s airstrip was celebrated with great enthusiasm, honouring the legacy of the Army and Navy veterans who completed construction in September, 1974. Sixteen of these veterans, along with their families, travelled from all over Australia to mark this impressive milestone.
The events, held over the second week of September, brought together community members and veterans to commemorate this significant moment in the Island’s history.
Tuesday’s event featured a presentation where veterans shared stories and photographs of the build. It was a special afternoon filled with camaraderie, laughter, and admiration for their remarkable work.
On Wednesday the community had the honour of listening to special guests and viewing a film on the Island’s first medical evacuation. The film was produced by the pilot of that flight, David Middleton, and his son, Mark, who were both in attendance. This was followed by a delicious afternoon tea generously provided by local businesses and community members.
Thursday’s event included organised runway access, where veterans were able to show their families the airstrip they built. Some locals also enjoyed this unique experience.
Overall, it was a memorable week of celebration enjoyed by all who attended and we thank all those involved in the planning and execution of the events.
August Board meeting minutes now online
The minutes from the 20-21 August, 2024, Board meeting are now available on our website.
The next meeting is scheduled for 26-27 November, 2024.
Service Closures on Labour Day
Due to the Public Holiday on Monday, 7 October, the following LHIB services will be closed for the day:
- Liquor Store
- Administration Office
- Waste Management Facility – Will open on Tuesday, 8 October from 6:30am – 10:00am for household and business waste, to make up for Monday’s service day.