The Wire

Indigenous people living along our northern coastline have formed an important line of defence, as customs officials have tried to guard Australian waters from increasing incursions by illegal fishermen. But Tiwi Island traditional owners say they are concerned because the government has given them no information about the potential threat of migratory birds bringing Avian Influenza onto Australian shores. CEO of the Tiwi Islands Local Government, Kirk Whelan, says people in the Tiwis want to know what they should be looking for. However the Chief Veterinary Officer for the NT, Dr Brian Radunz, says the risk to people living in the Tiwi Islands is small. Up past the tip of Cape York are the Torres Strait Islands – so close to Papua New Guinea, the islands have a treaty allowing free travel for traditional trade and cultural purposes. As yet, PNG has no identified cases of Avian Influenza. But can we rely on PNG’s quarantine and health technology to protect Australia? Chairman of the Saibai Island Council, Jenson Warusam, describes his island as a stepping stone to PNG and Asia, but says the only information they have gleaned is from the media. Principle Primary Vet with the Dep’t of Primary Industries, Dr Ian Douglas, shares the view that the risk is minor, with any human infection most likely to be brought in by overseas travellers.