Australian Authorities Urge Public Action to Support Wildlife Resilience Following H5 Bird Flu Arrival

Following the arrival of H5 avian influenza in Australia, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has issued guidance encouraging the public to support native wildlife health and monitor for signs of the disease. The department warned that the virus poses a serious threat to native species, affecting birds as well as some mammals, and placing pressure on local ecosystems.

To help mitigate the impacts of the disease, authorities outlined five key measures the public can take. Citizens are encouraged to participate in citizen science projects and surveys—such as the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, Birdata, and the Atlas of Living Australia—to help researchers monitor bird populations and track health trends.

The department also advised residents to plant local native flora to provide natural habitat and food sources, while warning against supplementary feeding because it can facilitate the spread of diseases among birds. Additionally, the public is encouraged to volunteer in habitat restoration efforts, including weeding, revegetation, and rubbish removal.

To minimize stress on animals, the guidance recommends giving wildlife adequate space during outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, or operating drones.

Finally, the department established an "avoid, record, report" protocol for managing suspected cases. Members of the public who observe groups of sick or dead wildlife are instructed to avoid contact, record details such as the date, time, and location, and report their findings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888. While the current risk of transmission to humans remains low, authorities advise leaving dead animals on public land and consulting local or state government guidelines if disposal is required.

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