The chickens are part of SA Health’s work to detect Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases in high-risk areas, so residents can better protect themselves during peak mosquito times.
Environmental Health Officer Rachael Lavender, who works on the Sentinel Chicken Program, said the chickens helped to warn about the presence of viruses spread by mosquitoes.
“Chickens are a food source to mosquitoes and interestingly if infected, they don’t develop symptoms to the viruses,” Ms Lavender said.
“Because of this, we’re able to regularly test their blood and learn if the virus is detected, which in turn allows us to provide a public health alert to help prevent humans becoming infected.”
Blood samples are taken weekly during peak mosquito season and are tested for Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis and Kunjin/West Nile viruses.
The chickens are placed in groups of five at key locations, with 10 flocks currently residing across the state.
“Our chickens are very spoilt and well cared for by host families – we often refer to their huts as the Taj Mahal of chicken coops as they’re so impressive,” Ms Lavender said.
Environmental health officers working in arbovirus surveillance and control spend their days contributing to public health – from attending events to provide information to local communities about how to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases, to trapping adult mosquitoes and conducting larval surveillance and control activities.
“Our aim is to reduce preventable environmentally mediated diseases and reduce the load on our primary health care system, which can make a significant and noticeable difference,” Ms Lavender said.
“My favourite part of my role is working with communities and stakeholders to improve public heath – no day is ever the same.”
For those wondering what makes a chicken sentinel – it’s an indicator of the presence of disease. The SA Health chickens are standing guard on the frontline to prevent a surprise attack of a mosquito-borne disease, and we thank them for their service.
South Australians are also reminded that they can avoid mosquito bites by covering up in long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or PMD, and eliminating mosquitoes and potential breeding sites.
For more information on the Fight the Bite campaign, visit the SA Health website.
