National Management Group Communiqué:
H5 avian influenza (bird flu) — 4 September 2026
The National Management Group (NMG) met on 4 September 2026 and approved a Transition to Management (T2M) plan under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) to support the ongoing national management of H5 bird flu in Australian wildlife. This brings the total cost-sharing commitment of governments to up to $26.4 million to support response activities undertaken under the EADRA since the first confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in Australia.
The EADRA T2M plan supports ongoing surveillance activities and investigation to improve understanding of the spread and impacts of H5 bird flu, and to help establish nationally consistent surveillance arrangements. This work is underpinned by a national bird flu surveillance strategy.
These activities will operate alongside the National Management Agreement – H5 HPAI in Wildlife (the H5 NMA) response plan. The H5 NMA provides a national framework for agreed activities to manage the impacts of H5 bird flu in wildlife with a particular focus on mitigating risks to human health, animal health, and the environment.
Together, these arrangements demonstrate Australia’s national biosecurity system working as intended. They provide continuity during the transition to the next phase of response, while ensuring activities are delivered through the arrangement best suited to their purpose.
The NMG recognises the strong collaboration between governments, industry and technical experts in responding to H5 bird flu. Approval of the T2M plan supports a nationally consistent approach to protecting Australia’s environmental, agricultural and economic interests.
Australian poultry remains free of H5 bird flu. Food Standards Australia New Zealand has advised that poultry and egg products are safe to eat and that people should always follow good hygiene practices when handling and preparing food.
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.
If sick or dead animals are found on public land, leave them where they are. If an animal is on private land and cannot be left in place, follow appropriate health and safety practices and check local or state and territory government guidance before moving or disposing of it.
Further information about H5 bird flu is available at birdflu.gov.au.