H5 Bird Flu Webinar

WALGA, with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and the Department of Health (DoH), will be hosting a webinar 11.00am, Friday 24 July to go through waste management advice and guidance available.

To assist Local Government with preparedness, DWER have provided guidance for large volume disposal:

• Only licensed, engineered landfills (Class II/III) with liners, leachate and gas systems are suitable for large volume burial of mortalities.
• Site selection must consider groundwater protection, distance from water bodies, sensitive receptors and available capacity.
• Planning is critical, including transport routes, fee agreements, site layout and record-keeping systems.
• Strong biosecurity measures are advised, including controlled access and on-site       vehicle/equipment disinfection.
• Carcasses should be delivered, buried, and covered daily, with no on-site storage.
• Burial practices include thin layers (≤600 mm), immediate cover, limited stacking, and maintaining ≥2 m to final surface.
• Environmental controls are essential - manage leachate, landfill gas, odour and pests.
• Post-disposal monitoring (leachate, gas, groundwater, settlement) and proper demobilisation are required to ensure long-term safety.

WALGA has developed a range of emergency waste management guidance, including a waste calculator which may be of assistance.

The key message from DPRID for the community is:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead birds or wildlife
• Record what you see
• Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

General enquiries about H5 Bird Flu can be emailed to [email protected].