Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister
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.
