What we are doing to prepare and respond to H5 bird flu

We are working to protect people, animals, and reduce the impacts on the environment from H5 bird flu. We are collaborating with state and territory governments, conservation partners, industry and experts.

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

We also recognise that First Nations communities may be uniquely impacted by H5 bird flu. This may include traditional hunting practices, culturally significant species and land use.

If you suspect H5 bird flu, report it. Call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Response to H5 bird flu in Australia

DAFF leads the national response. State and territory governments manage local actions.

We are working closely with:

• other government departments
• industry partners
• communities and businesses.

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

See local advice in your state or territory

National approach

Australia has nationally agreed response plans and cost-sharing arrangements in place to respond to animal disease incidents and outbreaks.

The strategies that guide our response to H5 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.

HPAI Preparedness Taskforce

A dedicated Australian Government taskforce was established in 2024 to strengthen preparedness for H5 bird flu. It is jointly led by the:

• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
• Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) on behalf of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA)
• National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Our native species

We work with and support state and territory governments and key conservation partners to reduce the impacts on Australia’s at-risk native species.

Efforts include:

• improving biosecurity of captive threatened species
• assisting states and territories to prepare plans for priority species and sites
• tackling other threats, like feral cats, so native species can better withstand and recover from the impacts of H5 bird flu.

See more on the work underway for native species.

Vaccination program

A targeted H5 bird flu vaccination program is underway for some native birds.

It focuses on our bird populations that are:

• native, threatened and conservation-dependent
• at high risk from H5 bird flu.

Vaccinations are currently being delivered to birds in captivity and managed wild populations. In these groups, the vaccine can be delivered safely and effectively.

Priority species

Species at high risk from H5 bird flu that also play a crucial role in national species recovery are prioritised for vaccination. 

This includes:

• orange-bellied parrot
• regent honeyeater
• plains-wanderer
• western ground parrot
• bristlebird
• swift parrot.

What you can do

We can all help reduce the impacts of H5 bird flu on our native wildlife.

The best ways to ensure our native bird and mammal species can withstand and recover from bird flu are:

• strong biosecurity practices
• control or removal of other threats
• support for healthy native habitats.

See how you can help reduce the impact of H5 bird flu on Australian wildlife.

Surveillance in wildlife and poultry

We work with state and territory governments, industry, and experts to monitor for H5 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.
• Farmers also play a key role. Poultry producers use strong biosecurity and monitor their flocks closely. If birds get sick, their vets investigate quickly.
• Citizen scientists also play an important surveillance role.

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.

Different strains of bird flu can enter the country naturally, such as the migration of infected wild birds. Indigenous rangers are on-ground and have traditional knowledge of Country, which can enhance their ability to detect and respond.

See more First Nations communities and H5 bird flu.

Australia’s border measures

Australia has strong border rules about what can be brought into the country. To stop H5 bird flu from entering through imported birds or poultry products, we use:

• x-rays
• inspections
• detector dogs.

What you must declare 

When you enter 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.

See more about bringing or mailing goods to Australia.