The Australian Government High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Preparedness Taskforce partnered with Dairy Australia in December 2024 to commission an independent risk assessment of H5 HPAI (referred to as H5 bird flu) in Australian dairy cattle.
The report was completed in September 2025. It provides guidance on preparedness and response measures for industry and government. It also provides rapid risk appraisals for other livestock sectors including:
- beef cattle
- pigs
- small ruminants (sheep and goats)
The report estimated the risk to the Australian dairy industry to be low.
The risk is estimated to be negligible for beef cattle and small ruminants (sheep and goats), and low for pigs.
Results and findings webinar
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Dairy Australia will host a joint webinar on 4 December 2025.
They will present findings from the risk assessment to industry and key stakeholders.
For more information, including how to register, visit HPAI H5 Dairy Webinar.
Publications
You can download a factsheet and several reports on H5 bird flu in the dairy and livestock industries.
Understanding the risks to Australia’s livestock industries from H5 avian influenza (bird flu)
A fact sheet providing an overview of the project and frequently asked questions.
Risk assessment of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza to Australian dairy cattle
The final project report assessing the risk of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) to the Australian dairy industry.
Risk of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza to Australian beef cattle
A rapid risk assessment of the potential risks posed by H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) to the Australian beef cattle industry.
Risk of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza to the Australian pig industry
A rapid risk assessment of the potential risks posed by H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) to the Australian pig industry.
Risk of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza to Australian small ruminant industries
A rapid risk assessment of the potential risks posed by H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) to the Australian small ruminant (sheep and goat) industry.
If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.
Reports available on request
Other reports have been prepared as part of this work. To request these reports, please contact us.
- Hall, RN, Matsumoto, N, White, P, Worsfold, D, Schlosberg, O, Badger, S, Zalcman, E, Cowled, BC, Hunnam, J. 2025. Risk of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) to Australian dairy cattle: Qualitative risk assessment, report prepared by Ausvet Pty Ltd for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Dairy Australia.
- Matsumoto, N, Cowled, BC, Zalcman, E, Hall, RN. 2025. Risk of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) to Australian dairy cattle: Simulation modelling of within-herd transmission, report prepared by Ausvet Pty Ltd for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Dairy Australia.
- Schlosberg, O, Hillman, A, Cowled, B, Hall, R. 2025. Risk of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) to Australian dairy cattle: Literature review. Ausvet Pty Ltd.