Port MacDonnell Residents Raise Alarm Over Bird Droppings Amid Avian Flu Fears

Port MacDonnell residents are expressing growing anxiety over the accumulation of bird droppings at a popular local fishing pontoon, sparked by the ongoing spread of avian influenza. The coastal town's jetty has long been a hotspot for local wildlife, but what was once considered a minor aesthetic nuisance is now causing genuine worry among community members.

Local Anglers Call for Urgent Action

Members of the Port MacDonnell Offshore Angling Club are demanding better maintenance of the public jetty and the nearby uncovered fish cleaning station. Club member Jennifer Cleary highlighted that children and pets frequently visit the area, raising the alarm over potential contamination risks.

"We're a bit concerned about the bird droppings over the pontoon where we go fishing every day," Ms. Cleary said, urging that the high-traffic site be regularly cleaned and maintained.

Another local angler, Hilary Nicholson, echoed these sentiments, calling for a coordinated plan to sanitize public spaces prone to bird waste. "At the moment, we have nothing," Mr. Nicholson said, pointing out the lack of active cleaning in high-risk zones.

Council and Health Authorities Respond

A recent community information session in Port MacDonnell drew around 80 attendees eager for answers regarding the local risk. However, the absence of a state health representative left several highly specific questions unanswered—particularly regarding the safety of domestic rainwater collection systems.

District Council Mayor Kylie Boston clarified that while state-led teams are actively managing the removal of wild bird carcasses along the Limestone Coast, routine bird feces cleanup is not part of the active avian flu management strategy. "We've just been doing our business as normal with our normal routine cleaning," Mayor Boston stated.

State health authorities have sought to reassure the public, issuing a statement confirming that the risk to human health remains low. "Rainwater should always be collected in well-managed tanks from well-maintained roof catchment areas and should be protected from small animals including birds, regardless of avian influenza," the statement read, adding that simply walking past bird waste does not pose a public health risk.

Epidemiologist Urges Calm

Adelaide University epidemiologist Professor Adrian Esterman, who is closely monitoring the potential for H5-N1 to mutate, reassured residents that the risk of catching the virus from casual contact is virtually non-existent.

"No one's actually caught it from, for example, touching a bird dropping," Professor Esterman explained. "Touching a dropping in the street is not going to give you an infection."

Addressing concerns about contaminated rainwater tanks, Professor Esterman noted that the dilution factor is immense. "A tiny, tiny amount of virus particles in a huge amount of water is incredibly diluted. When you drink it, your stomach acids will destroy viruses," he said, noting that only highly immunocompromised or elderly individuals might need to consider extra water disinfection measures.

How to Report Sightings

While the risk to humans remains low, authorities advise residents to remain vigilant. If you encounter a sick or dead wild bird, do not touch it. Take photos or video if possible, and immediately report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.