Residents of Port MacDonnell have expressed their concerns regarding the significant amount of bird droppings found in public areas. Many community members are apprehensive that this waste could potentially pose health risks to humans and are advocating for more frequent cleaning of these spaces.
According to SA Health, the threat of bird flu to human health remains minimal. A small dock in the coastal town has been persistently covered in bird excrement, which, while previously viewed as an aesthetic issue, has become a source of anxiety for some residents following the emergence of the highly pathogenic avian flu.
Jennifer Cleary, a member of the Port MacDonnell Offshore Angling Club, voiced her concerns, stating, “We are worried about the droppings on the pontoon where we fish regularly. It requires cleaning and maintenance, especially since children frequent the area.” She highlighted that many visitors, often accompanied by their pets, are concerned that the virus could mutate and infect humans.
This topic was a focal point during a recent information session about bird flu, attended by approximately 80 individuals at a local community center. Several attendees brought up questions regarding the potential health risks associated with bird droppings contaminating untreated rainwater collected from rooftops. While state government representatives provided information through slides and maps, the absence of a spokesperson from SA Health left some questions unresolved.
In a recent announcement, SA Health reiterated that the risk to human health from bird flu is low. They emphasized, “Rainwater should always be collected in well-maintained tanks from properly managed roof catchment areas and should be safeguarded against small animals, including birds, regardless of the presence of avian influenza. Simply walking past a dead or sick bird, or its droppings, does not pose a risk to people.” Despite the low incidence of bird flu infections globally, concerns about inadvertent contact and indirect exposure are contributing to local anxieties.
Hilary Nicholson, another member of the angling club, shared her apprehensions regarding the potential for avian flu transmission to humans and called for a systematic cleaning strategy for public areas affected by bird droppings. “Currently, there is no plan in place,” she stated.
While the South Australian government has teams along the Limestone Coast dedicated to collecting and disposing of dead birds, routine cleaning of bird droppings is not included in their responsibilities. Local Mayor Kylie Boston noted, “We have been maintaining our regular cleaning schedule.”
Adelaide University epidemiologist Adrian Esterman is closely monitoring the H5-N1 virus and its potential to mutate. He reassured the public, stating, “At present, there is no evidence that anyone has contracted the virus through contact with bird droppings. Touching droppings does not lead to infection unless one engages in unsanitary practices afterwards.” He further explained that for the average person, the risk remains “nearly zero,” provided they do not come into contact with deceased birds or infected animals.
Esterman acknowledged that while bird droppings can carry diseases that may reach rooftops and gutters, the probability of illness is low due to dilution. “A minuscule number of viral particles in a large volume of water is incredibly diluted,” he remarked. “When ingested, stomach acids are likely to neutralize any viruses present.” He advised that only individuals who are elderly or immunocompromised might consider disinfecting their water supply.
Meanwhile, at a local park frequented by visitors and seagulls, resident Lyndon Hampel mentioned that he tends to avoid any visible bird droppings on public benches. “We would worry if there were droppings in close proximity, but not specifically due to bird flu,” he commented. “It’s more about the unsanitary condition.”
If anyone encounters a sick or deceased bird, they are encouraged to take photos or videos, if possible, and report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.
