The Albanese Labor Government has convened a major national exercise as it continues to strengthen its biosecurity measures against a strain of avian influenza with significant risks to Australia, including our unique wildlife and poultry.
The H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) strain has caused fatalities in poultry, wild birds and mammals overseas, but has not yet been detected within Australia.
Representatives from all levels of governments across agriculture, environment, health and emergency management will tomorrow join with Animal Health Australia, Wildlife Health Australia, environment groups, poultry producers and other stakeholders to test Australia’s response to this highly virulent strain should it arrive on our shores.
Tomorrow’s activity – the third of Exercise Volare – follows two previous activities held last month, which focused on Commonwealth, state and territory government responsibilities.
It will examine responses to detections of H5N1 HPAI in wildlife populations – primarily wild birds and marine mammals. It will also consider the international experience which has shown considerable impacts on threatened species, commercial poultry, other livestock production systems and in public health settings.
Preparatory exercises are important and well-established in Australia’s biosecurity system in bolstering national preparedness and capability to respond to biosecurity threats.
The Albanese Labor Government has delivered on our election commitment by investing more than $1 billion in a sustainable, broadly based, biosecurity funding model to ensure we are prepared for the threat of incursions like H5N1.
As the Government continues to prepare for the threat of H5 HPAI, the Australian community is also being encouraged to do their part.
This includes avoiding contact with sick or dead wild birds, reporting any wildlife deaths to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 and understanding how to protect poultry and pet birds and wildlife.
Information about biosecurity measures for bird owners, poultry workers, and veterinarians can be found at www.agriculture.gov.au/birdflu. Animal Health Australia has material available Avian Influenza – Animal Health Australia and Wildlife Health Australia’s risk mitigation toolbox provides a guide for wildlife managers.
More information about Exercise Volare is available at: www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/emergency/exercises/vol…
Key findings and recommendations from the exercise will be made publicly available following a review of the activities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
“Australia remains the only continent free of this H5N1 HPAI strain, and our Government will continue to focus on ensuring Australia is prepared for any future detection.
“We have recently invested an extra $7 million to focus on the threats posed by this strain of avian influenza, and more than $1 billion in new biosecurity funding overall has been invested by our Government.
“The situation remains dynamic and we are committed to provide an agile inter-governmental, industry and community response to protect Australian industry, trade and wildlife.
“We are very concerned about the impact this disease could have on our native wildlife, vulnerable threatened species and broader environment and on our agricultural systems, including on production and trade.
“While we can’t stop the natural migration patterns of wild birds that may be sick, we can prepare ourselves if that does occur by ensuring we are working together in this national effort to protect Australia.”
