National Management Group Communiqué:
H5 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) – 02 November 2026
The National Management Group (NMG) met on 2 November 2026 and agreed to increase funding available under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) to support continued national response activities for H5 bird flu in Australian wildlife, bringing the total national commitment under the EADRA to approximately $30.4 million.
The EADRA Transition to Management National Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan supports ongoing surveillance and investigation to improve understanding of the spread, risks and impacts of H5 bird flu while working toward establishing nationally consistent long-term management arrangements. This work is complemented by conservation actions for vulnerable priority species and measures to strengthen community capability and preparedness under the National Management Agreement for H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Wildlife (the H5 NMA).
Australian poultry remains free of H5 bird flu, and the current risk to people in Australia remains low.
If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, avoid contact, record the location and report it to the 24/7 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia. Reports are assessed according to risk and may lead to a site visit and sampling, although not all reports will require testing or collection.
Further information about H5 bird flu is available at birdflu.gov.au.