Sentinel chickens protecting the NT from mosquito-borne diseases for 30 years

They are the unlikely health heroes, protecting Territorians from diseases for 30 years. Read why these feathered detectors set the gold standard for defence.

ON A small patch of land in Darwin’s northern suburbs there is a group of unlikely heroes keeping Territorians safe from disease.

A flock of chickens.

These 12 sentinel birds are the difference between a serious outbreak of mosquito-borne disease and health authorities being prepared.

Thirty years on and they are still considered the “gold standard” of detecting whenever a virus is present in the atmosphere.

The NT Mosquito Disease Surveillance Program was introduced in 1992, first in Nhulunbuy before being expanded into Darwin and further south to other main centres across the NT.

Sentinel Chickens have been doing their bit for the nation, alerting the NT public of mosquito-borne diseases for 30-years. Picture: Glenn Campbell

In each site it is these sentinel chickens that act as an early warning system for authorities to know when action needs to be taken.

Similar programs also run throughout other states in Australia.

NT Health Medical entomology director Nina Kurucz said chickens were introduced early on, when scientists were looking for a way to monitor outbreak of mozzie diseases.

“They looked at the best way of surveillance and figured out that chickens are it,” she said.

During the high-danger months of December through to June, each chicken is tested monthly.

The process of “bleeding” the hens normally takes just a few minutes per bird.

Since the introduction of the program, more than 22,000 chickens have been tested and there’s been 600 positive tests.

Ms Kurucz said a positive result from a chicken was normally received before one in a human.

The main diseases that are identified in the NT are Murray Valley Encephalitis and Kunjin virus.

Why are chickens the perfect def-hens?

The sentinel and portable nature of the birds is what makes them the perfect test subjects for surveillance.

“The reason is because we put them close to major mosquito breeding sites and because the chickens are out 24/7 the theory is that they get bitten before humans do,” Ms Kurucz said.

The chickens on our frontline are always very well-loved and never put in harm’s way.

“The chickens destined for this program are purchased from interstate specialised hatcheries, which provide us with happy, healthy chicks that are then raised in an optimal environment,” Berrimah Veterinarian laboratory technician Roslyn Hunt said.

Berrimah Veterinarian Lab Tech Roslyn Hunt. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“The end goal is to enhance their socialisation with each other and with humans.

“Extra care is taken to ensure each chicken is capable of dealing with the responsibilities of being a sentinel,” Ms Hunt said.

“The diseases the chickens are tested for do not pose any health risk to our girls, and their health and welfare is our top priority. All required approvals and checks are in place to ensure that our sentinels live long and happy lives as public servants.”

If a chook is found to test positive for a virus they are retired, and are aged out once they are three years old.

“And in all cases, when their retirement comes, the girls are well cared for and continue to be loved by the people who have been lucky enough to support them through their valuable contribution to Territory health,” Ms Hunt said.

All the eggs from chickens in the program are fit to eat, and in some cases are Royal Darwin Show winners.

She said one of the best parts of being in the program is getting to meet the latest recruits each year.

“We call it Christmas in July whenever we receive a new shipment,” she said.