With the arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain in Australia considered “unavoidable,” the federal government has announced $95 million (US$64 million) in funding to prepare and protect the country.
Currently, Australia is the only continent free of the H5N1 strain, which has caused significant problems globally, particularly affecting wild birds, some mammals, and livestock.
The funding is aimed at bolstering the country’s biosecurity efforts, with almost $36 million for protecting threatened species and boosting environmental measures.
Minister for Agriculture Julia Collins said the virus may enter Australia through migrating birds, which Australia cannot control at its borders and remains a serious concern.
Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek highlighted the importance of early detection and surveillance, with the funding set to enhance Australia’s ability to monitor the virus’s spread.
In a joint press conference on Oct 14, the ministers announced in addition to environmental protections, $37 million will be invested in safeguarding Australian agriculture. This includes strengthening scientific capabilities and wild bird surveillance across the nation.
The government also plans to improve coordinated communication strategies to respond quickly to any outbreaks.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly addressed the human health implications, noting that although the risk of human infection is currently low, the government is prepared for the possibility.
He said the H5N1 virus is rapidly evolving, and that $22.1 million of the funding will go towards developing vaccines for human protection in the event of a future outbreak.
Health Minister Mark Butler echoed these concerns, stating that there is “no room for complacency” when it comes to the potential human impacts of H5N1.
The government is working through the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control to ensure the country is prepared.
The announcement builds on more than $1 billion in biosecurity funding allocated in the 2023 budget.
Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management, said that recent crisis exercises had informed the new funding strategy, which also involves the National Emergency Management Agency working closely with states to ensure a coordinated response.
As wild birds migrate during the warmer months, the arrival of bird flu in Australia is expected, raising concerns for both wildlife and human health.
Although the risk to humans is currently low, the World Health Organisation has reported over 900 cases of human infections globally, with more than 50 percent of those cases proving fatal.
The government also urged the public to report any sightings of large numbers of dead birds, recommending they call 1800 675 888 or visit birdflu.gov.au. This will allow authorities to conduct appropriate testing to monitor and prevent the spread of bird flu in Australia.
