Bird flu: Staying informed and supporting awareness

The following video, questions and answers have been compiled to support the wildlife rehabilitation sector.

Where can I find official information about disease outbreaks?

The Australian Government's bird flu page provides brief updates when H5 bird flu is detected in Australia but there is no evidence of spread or mass mortality events.

The Australian Government's Outbreak website provides information when there is a current animal disease outbreak anywhere within Australia.

Biosecurity emergencies provides information on current animal disease outbreaks in New South Wales. You can also download the BioResponse NSW app to your mobile phone or computer. You can set up this app to provide real‑time notifications.

Will emergency orders and zones affect the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector?

In New South Wales, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) leads biosecurity emergency responses. When a serious animal disease is detected in New South Wales, biosecurity emergency orders and emergency zones may be enacted to contain or limit the impact.

These emergency orders may affect the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector. For example, the orders may restrict the movement of susceptible animals or require susceptible animals to housed or contained to prevent contact with wild birds.

Biosecurity emergency orders issued by DPIRD are always made available online and are often accompanied by easy-to-read explanatory guides.

Is vaccination an option for wildlife in Australia?

Yes. Vaccination is now being used as part of Australia's preparedness efforts for H5 bird flu in selected wildlife species.

In New South Wales, vaccination is being undertaken in birds in accordance with permit conditions and NSW Chief Veterinary Officer requirements. Vaccination is not suitable or available for all species, and its use is determined case by case, taking into account conservation value, disease risk, animal welfare, and the practicality of vaccinating and monitoring the species concerned.  

There are currently no commercially available H5 bird flu vaccines authorised for use in mammals in Australia. Research into vaccination of marine mammals in underway internationally, and New South Wales is monitoring emerging evidence.

Vaccination is one tool within a broader response that also includes surveillance, biosecurity, preparedness planning and conservation measures. Approaches to vaccination for priority species will continue to be informed by emerging scientific evidence, vaccine availability and assessments of risks, benefits and feasibility. 

Will I be able to access veterinarian practices?

Veterinarians provide an important service in supporting animal welfare and humane euthanasia. Among other services, veterinary practitioners provide critical advice and assistance during wildlife emergencies and help relieve the suffering of individual animals by providing appropriate medical treatment, care or euthanasia as appropriate.

Outbreaks of animal diseases may disrupt the normal operations of private veterinary practices. However, under the Veterinary Practice Regulation 2013 (NSW), a veterinary practitioner must provide relief of pain or suffering to an animal in their presence, or provide a timely referral to another practitioner. See Avian influenza – information for private veterinarians.

How are wildlife carcasses managed on private and public land?

In New South Wales, responsibility for disposing of animal carcasses rests with the landowner.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has published a carcass disposal guide to explain disposal options available in the context of H5 bird flu.

What is happening to strengthen the resilience of our native wildlife populations?

Strengthening the natural resilience of wildlife populations and supporting their recovery is one of our key priorities.

New South Wales’s wildlife rehabilitation sector contributes to this by rescuing and rehabilitating native fauna – and rescues around 100,000 sick and injured animals each year. This provides a significant and important contribution to the health of our wildlife and ecosystems.

The Australian and NSW governments are also building the resilience of our native wildlife population. Across New South Wales, many projects are being delivered to reduce population pressures and improve critical habitat at priority sites.