The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) recognises the devastating impact that H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (clade 2.3.4.4b), commonly known as H5 bird flu, has had on wild birds and mammals throughout the world, and that the disease is now present in Australia.
The TSSC is acutely aware of the destructive impacts of this strain of bird flu for susceptible Australian species and is particularly concerned for these and relevant threatened species.
Given there are very few direct, protective actions available to mitigate the impact of the disease in free-ranging wildlife, abating existing threats to Threatened Species in Australia is more critical than ever. Implementing the actions identified in relevant Conservation Advices and Recovery Plans for threatened species to mitigate such threats, particularly predation and competition from invasive species, and habitat loss and degradation, should directly benefit the resilience and recovery of the bird and mammal species impacted by H5 bird flu.
The TSSC acknowledges the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's work, alongside leading bird and mammal experts, aiming to identify high risk sites and to better understand the susceptibility and likely risks to Australian species of H5 bird flu. The TSSC also recognises and supports current efforts being undertaken with Australian Government support, including planning to minimise the risks and impacts of the disease on susceptible species and populations, as well as targeted actions to build the resilience of wildlife populations.
Given the high likelihood that the spread of the virus will soon cause unavoidable and potentially catastrophic declines in numbers of some already threatened bird and mammal species, TSSC recognises the need for adequate resourcing of efforts to ensure that other factors do not worsen these declines.
The TSSC also notes that DCCEEW is being advised on H5 bird flu by eminent experts. The TSSC, as a high priority, will stay fully informed regarding the national response to HPAI. Within its remit under the EPBC Act, the TSSC will make every effort to abate impacts of, and support recovery of Australia's wildlife from, H5 bird flu.
