National Management Group Communiqué:
H5 avian influenza (bird flu) — 7 October 2026
The National Management Group (NMG) met on 7 October 2026 and approved the National Response Plan under the National Management Agreement for H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Wildlife (H5 NMA), including up to $30 million in cost-shared funding.
The National Response Plan establishes the next phase of Australia’s nationally coordinated response to H5 bird flu in Australian wildlife. It will operate alongside transition to management activities underway under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement, for which governments have previously committed up to $26.4 million.
Developed collaboratively by Australian state and territory governments, the National Response Plan is informed by scientific, conservation and response advice. Funding will support nationally significant conservation actions for vulnerable priority species, guided by wildlife and environmental experts, and practical measures to strengthen community capability and preparedness.
Governments will continue to monitor the situation and adapt the response as evidence about the spread and impacts of H5 bird flu develops.
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.