What we are doing to prepare for bird flu

Australia is working to protect people, animals, and the environment from H5 bird flu. We are collaborating with state and territory governments, industry and experts.

Bird flu in Australia

Australia does not currently have H5 bird flu.

Overseas outbreaks show that H5 bird flu would have significant impacts on our wildlife, communities and our agriculture industry, especially poultry.

We are working hard to prepare for a potential H5 bird flu outbreak. Our actions support biodiversity, the industries, other sectors and communities that would be affected.

We’re taking a One Health approach. This means we recognise the interconnection between the health of humans, animals and the environment.

First Nations communities may be uniquely impacted. Their traditional hunting practices, culturally significant species and land use may be affected.

It’s important to prepare for animal disease outbreaks like bird flu. Being ready helps keep our animals, food supply, and communities safe.

Watch

Watch our webinar recording on what we are doing to prepare for bird flu. Visit the Resources for bird flu page to see our Webinar: Preparing for H5 avian influenza (bird flu)

Government investment

The Australian Government is investing over $100 million to prepare for H5 bird flu. This investment is enhancing our national preparedness and response capability.

This includes:

• $37 million over 2 years to protect Australian agriculture. We’ll enhance national coordination of response arrangement and communications. We’ll strengthen surveillance and boost biosecurity capacity and capability.
• $35.9 million over 2 years to accelerate H5 bird flu preparedness planning and protective action. We’ll use the best data available to target actions for our most at-risk species and important natural places.
• $22.1 million over 2 years to manufacture and store pandemic influenza vaccines. This will better prepare us to respond to a potential influenza pandemic.

HPAI Preparedness Taskforce

A dedicated HPAI Preparedness Taskforce has been set up to coordinate key activities. This taskforce is jointly led by:

• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
• Department of Health, Disability and Aging (DHDA)
• National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Surveillance in wildlife and poultry

We work with state and territory governments, industry, and experts to monitor for bird flu.

• Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) runs a national program to test healthy wild birds.
• WHA and Deakin University created AviFluMap, a tool that tracks bird movements and overseas H5 bird flu outbreaks.
• WHA delivers additional H5 bird flu surveillance and preparedness activities through the One Health Surveillance Initiative. An additional $7m was provided through the H5 bird flu preparedness measure.In northern Australia, we partner with Indigenous ranger groups and communities. Their deep knowledge of Country helps to detect disease early and protect wildlife and culture.

Farmers also play a key role. Poultry producers use strong biosecurity and monitor their flocks closely. If birds get sick, their vets investigate quickly.

Find out more on wild bird surveillance (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water)

Role of Indigenous rangers

Indigenous rangers play a crucial role in biosecurity in northern Australia. 

They undertake biosecurity activities. This includes early detection surveillance, monitoring and communication related to H5 bird flu.

H5 bird flu can enter the country in uncontrolled ways, such as the migration of infected wild birds. Indigenous rangers have on-ground presence and traditional knowledge of Country, which can enhance their ability to detect and respond.

See more on the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program

Preparing our wildlife

We work with state and territory governments and key conservation partners. Together we support and encourage wildlife preparedness and response planning.

Find out more on how we prepare our wildlife for H5 avian influenza bird flu.

Australia’s border measures

Australia has strong border rules. To stop bird flu from entering through imported birds or poultry products, we use:

• x-rays
• inspections
• detector dogs

What You Must Declare 

When entering Australia, you must declare:

• Chicken or duck (raw or cooked)
• Eggs or egg products
• Feathers or items with feathers
• Poultry vaccines
• Animal or plant products
• Not declaring these items can lead to large fines.

Response arrangements in Australia 

If H5 bird flu is found in Australia, we’ll act fast with a national response led by DAFF. State and territory governments will manage local actions.

We will work closely with:

• Other government departments
• Industry partners
• Communities and businesses

We will also handle international reporting and work with trading partners to minimise trade impacts where possible.

Australia has nationally agreed response plans and cost-sharing arrangements in place to respond to animal disease incidents and outbreaks. The strategies that will guide our response to bird flu include:

• AUSVETPLAN Response Strategy for Avian Influenza sets out the nationally agreed approach to bird flu outbreaks in Australia.
• AUSVETPLAN Wild Animal Response Strategy provides information about management strategies and control measures for wild animals during an emergency.
• Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) is a cost-sharing deed between the federal government, state and territory governments and 14 livestock industry groups for emergency animal disease responses.
• National Management Agreement – H5 HPAI in wildlife establishes a national arrangement for responding to H5 bird flu in wildlife.