Riverina Wildlife Health
Birds of Prey (also known as Raptors) are hunting birds such as eagles, hawks and owls. Many Bird of Prey species in Australia feed on small mammals, including rodents. This means that they be exposed to rat and mouse poison by eating a poisoned animal – this is known as secondary poisoning. Most rat […]
Rat/mouse Bait Toxicity in Birds of Prey (raptors) Read More »
Chytrid fungus causes a fungal infection in the skin of frogs and is the most important cause of frog population declines in Australia and globally. Chytrid fungus is present in NSW and is expected to be present in the Riverina. Affected frogs may appear normal, have red skin or increased skin shedding, or may
Chytrid fungus in Australian Frogs Read More »
DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE venomous snakes. Australia has many species of venomous snakes which can inflict a fatal bite. Most snake bites occur when people are attempting to handle or injure a snake. If you are unable to identify the species of snake, you should treat it as though it is venomous.
Exercise Caution with Venomous Snakes Read More »
If you have found one, or a small number of deceased wildlife on your private property it is unlikely that an investigation will be initiated unless there are unique circumstances. It is important to be aware that you may still be able to catch infectious diseases from deceased wildlife. If you need to dispose
General Advice for Disposing of Dead Wildlife Read More »
Avian influenza (also known as ‘bird flu’) is a virus that typically infects birds. Strains of avian influenzas may be low pathogenicity (does not usually cause serious disease) or high pathogenicity (capable of causing serious disease). Since 2021, a new strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been circulating around the world and causing
Avian Influenza (‘Bird flu’) Read More »
You have reported a mass bird mortality event (more than 10 birds found dead) in your area. These events are significant and may be due to an outbreak of disease, exposure to toxins or pollutants, or other causes. Birds may function as an indicator species for a problem in the ecosystem, including possible threats to
Mass Bird Mortality Read More »
Frogs and other amphibians are very sensitive to changes in their environment and may show the effects of these changes sooner than other species in the same location. Australia is home to over 200 species of frog, most of which are only found here. To protect these unique species, it is very important to understand
General Frog Advice Read More »
Australia is home to more than 800 bird species, and nearly half of these species are only found here. Birdwatching is a great way to learn more about Australia’s unique species and spend time outdoors in the environment. Sick birds: Sick or injured birds should be taken to a local veterinarian as soon as
General Bird Advice Read More »
DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE any species of bat. Bats may be infected with Australian bat lyssavirus, which is very similar to rabies. This virus causes a fatal infection in people. Bats must only be handled by trained and vaccinated wildlife rescuers. Please contact WIRES Riverina on 1300 094 737 for assistance with sick
Exercise Caution with Bats Read More »
Please contact the National Emergency Animal Disease Hotline directly on 1800 675 888 to report this event. More information on emergency animal diseases and reporting can be found on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website: https://www.outbreak.gov.au/prepare-respond/report
National Emergency Animal Disease Hotline Read More »
