The Australian Government is strengthening national preparedness for H5 avian influenza (bird flu) to protect wildlife, agriculture and human health.
Australia is the only continent still free from this serious and contagious strain of bird flu. Overseas, this strain has killed millions of wild birds and tens of thousands of wild mammals.
To prepare for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu, we are investing $2.15 million to help state and territory environment agencies develop plans for wildlife.
These plans will cover more than 200 sites and species and build on work already underway across the country.
Place-based plans
Place-based plans focus on wildlife at priority sites.
These include:
- important wetlands, such as the Moreton Bay Ramsar site in Queensland
- internationally significant migratory bird sites, such as the Abrolhos Islands group off the West Australian coast
- areas that provide habitats for susceptible birds and mammals, such as Kangaroo Island.
Species plans
Species plans focus on high priority species or group of species. They outline preparedness, response and recovery actions across several locations.
These plans will support species, such as the:
- orange-bellied parrot
- fairy tern
- magpie goose
- Tasmanian devil.
Each state and territory is taking an approach that best works with their broader One Health planning for H5 bird flu.
This work is part of a broader commitment of more than $100 million to strengthen Australia's preparedness and response to H5 bird flu.
