Biodiversity Council welcome government investment in H5N1 bird flu virus response

Today the Australian Government announced more than $100 million to fight the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which has killed millions of animals overseas, including wild birds and mammals, and livestock. The highly pathogenic virus may arrive on Australia’s shores any day.

In addition to major funds to support the agricultural sector, the funding includes:

• $36 million for wildlife preparation,

• $7 million for Wildlife Health Australia to do surveillance, and

• $10 million for a public communication campaign

The Biodiversity Council have welcomed the announcement and say the investment in preparedness is desperately needed to minimise the scale of the impending wildlife catastrophe.

Director James Trezise said, ”This investment is a massive boost for preparing for the impacts of bird flu on our wildlife populations.

“Minister Collins and Minister Plibersek need to be commended for listening to the scientific experts and ramping up resourcing to tackle this major biosecurity risk.

“If the H5N1 strain makes it to Australia’s shores, which could happen any day as we are in migration season, it could devastate wildlife populations.

“While we are very concerned about impacts on wildlife that are on the brink of extinction, research shows that even common species, such as the black swan, could be decimated by the arrival of this aggressive bird flu strain.

“We now need to make sure this preparedness funding reaches our most vulnerable places and wildlife to give them a fighting chance, including looking at the potential for vaccinating our most-at-risk species where feasible.

“We also need to accept this is only a downpayment on a full-scale response should H5N1 make it to our shores.”

People in the community can learn more about the virus, the impact it has had on wildlife overseas and what symptoms to look for in the Biodiversity Council webinar recording and Q&A.