The Hon Julie Collins MP
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister
Minister for Emergency Management
MEDIA RELEASE
Strengthening biosecurity as Avian Influenza prep ramps up
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.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP:
“It’s important people are aware human infections of avian influenza are rare – and the current risk to the Australian population remains very low. Most strains of avian influenza do not spread easily from animals to people.
“When there are human cases, they typically occur after a person has had close contact with sick birds and livestock or contaminated environments. Poultry workers are most at risk.
“The interim Australian Centre for Disease Control is working very closely with other Commonwealth, state and territory agencies to ensure Australia is as prepared as possible for any potential case of the H5N1 HPAI strain.
“Exercise Volare is an important operation to test our national preparedness and capability to respond should this strain of avian influenza arrive on Australian shores.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek MP:
“H5N1 HPAI is something that the government is taking very seriously and preparing for, including through Exercise Volare.
“Coordinated work to protect our most vulnerable species is critical.
“That’s why my department is working very closely with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and across state and territory environment agencies to ensure that if the H5N1 HPAI strain makes its way to Australia, our native wildlife – particularly our susceptible threatened species – are as well protected as they can be.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Jenny McAllister:
“During times of crisis, the National Emergency Management Agency plays a key role in supporting any response to ensure it is coordinated, collaborative and takes into account all possible impacts.
“That’s why, as we consider the potential risks of H5N1 HPAI in Australia, NEMA is working closely to support the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in preparing for a potential detection and the downstream impacts a detection may have on our economy, community and environment.
“NEMA is working in partnership with other government agencies in supporting and co-facilitating the Volare exercises. These exercises will test the preparedness of governments, industry and the environmental sector and ensure all parties know their roles and responsibilities in the event of a detection.”
END
