Preparedness and response

Australia is working to protect people, animals and the environment from H5 bird flu.

This work involves collaboration between the Australian Government, state and territory governments, industry and experts.

Read more about the Australian Government response.

Surveillance in wildlife and poultry

Following the first detection of H5 bird flu in Australia, the Northern Territory (NT) established a cross-agency Incident Management Team.

The team develops response plans to support a rapid response if H5 bird flu is detected in the Territory and helps keep stakeholders and the community informed.

The NT is contributing to the national response through:

• surveillance of wild bird populations in priority wetlands across the Territory to detect H5 bird flu
• working with National Parks and Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) to support surveillance activity through engagement with Rangers.
• collecting data for Wildlife Health Australia national program to test healthy wild birds.

What happens when you report a sick or dead bird

If you see a sick or dead bird record the date, time and location and report it by:

• submitting the online report form (wild birds only).
• calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Do not touch the bird while waiting for advice or testing arrangements.

Assessment and response process

• Report received by a veterinary officer.
• Assessment against testing criteria.
• Testing arranged, if required.
• Site visit and sample collection.
• If testing is not required, the bird should be left in place or disposed of appropriately.

When you make a report, a veterinary officer from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will assess the information provided, including:

• the bird species
• the number of birds affected
• the location
• the level of disease risk.

Not all reports result in an investigation, collection or testing.

If further action is needed, the department may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing. Positive detections are confirmed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Vaccination