Australia has allocated $100 M to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability to H5 bird flu
Australia continues to deliver targeted investments to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity, with $12 million to bolster response capability for a potential outbreak of H5 bird flu.
The funding is being provided to states and territories to purchase critical equipment including mobile laboratories, drones and response trailers to enable rapid mobilisation in the event of an outbreak, including in remote settings.
Funds are also being invested in humane depopulation, decontamination and disposal equipment, with an emphasis on preventing the spread of disease, and ensuring the humane handling of animals on-farm.
This funding is part of the Government’s $100 million investment to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability to H5 bird flu. Since 2022 Australia committed to over $2 billion in additional resourcing to Australia’s biosecurity.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, “Australia remains the only continent free from H5 bird flu, but the movement of wild birds poses an ongoing risk to our country, and an outbreak of the disease would have major consequences for Australia’s wildlife and poultry sector. That is why the Albanese Labor Government is investing $100 million to strengthen our surveillance, preparedness and response capability to H5 bird flu, to protect Australia’s agricultural industries and wildlife. National Biosecurity Week is a good reminder that biosecurity is a shared responsibility, with this $12 million to strengthen our nation-wide response capabilities to H5 bird flu, as part of our strong partnership with state and territory governments.”
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, “Australia’s commitment to biosecurity is crucial when it comes to preventing the introduction and spread of pests, diseases, and weeds, both domestically and internationally. Every Australian has a role to play in protecting our unique flora and fauna by reporting sick wildlife or anything unusual. Government is doing our share in preparing for a potential H5 bird flu outbreak, by equipping local authorities with the tools they need, ramping up monitoring and early detection efforts in wild populations and protecting native threatened species in captivity.”
