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

In June 2026, Australia had its first detection of the H5N1 strain in a vagrant migratory seabird, on an isolated beach in the Cape Le Grand National Park on Western Australia’s southern coast.

You can read more on this detection at birdflu.gov.au.

We have been working hard to prepare for a potential H5 bird flu outbreak. Our efforts support biodiversity, industries and other sectors and communities that could be impacted.

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

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

Watch

Watch our webinar recording on how we have been preparing 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 has committed more than $113 million to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability for a potential incursion. This includes:

• $43.9 million to enhance national coordination of response arrangements and communications, strengthen surveillance and boost biosecurity capacity and capability.
• $47.1 million to accelerate protective action for threatened species and priority biodiversity.
• $22.1 million to increase the amount of ready-to-use pandemic flu vaccines and antivirals in the National Medical Stockpile (NMS).

HPAI Preparedness Taskforce

A dedicated Australian Government taskforce was established in 2024 to strengthen preparedness, jointly led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) on behalf of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) and the 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.
• 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.

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 native species

We are working with and supporting state and territory governments and key conservation partners to protect Australia’s most at-risk native species.

Find out more about the preparedness measures and protective actions being put in place for native species most at-risk from H5 bird flu.

Australia’s border measures

Australia has strong border rules about what can be brought into the country. 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 

DAFF will act fast to lead a national response. 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.