Australia launches national H5 awareness campaign as wildlife detections rise

Australia has launched a six-week national awareness campaign as H5 avian influenza detections continue to rise among wild birds. Authorities are urging the public to report sick or dead birds as they work to prevent the virus spreading into poultry and other domestic bird populations.

Australia has stepped up its response to H5 avian influenza with a nationwide public-awareness campaign focused on identifying and reporting suspected cases in wildlife.

The six-week initiative urges people not to touch sick or dead birds but instead record their location and report sightings through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

The government says 652 H5 events have now been recorded nationwide, with South Australia accounting for the largest share, followed by Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales.

Despite the growing number of wildlife detections, authorities say H5 has not been detected in Australian poultry or other domestic birds and the risk to the general public remains low.

Australia has committed more than A$270 million to preparedness and response measures, including surveillance, vaccine readiness and wildlife protection. A separate programme is also supporting vaccination of around 10,000 native birds, with experts prioritising species considered particularly vulnerable.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said Australia had spent years preparing for the arrival of the virus, with agencies across agriculture, environment, health and emergency management coordinating the national response.

Authorities are now emphasising public reporting and farm biosecurity as they seek to limit further spread and prevent transmission into commercial poultry.