NRM Regions Australia CEO Kate Andrews has welcomed the announcement of the Australian Government’s $100 million investment in preparation for the arrival of the deadly Avian Influenza (bird flu) - HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. $35.9 million has been allocated specifically to protect vulnerable wildlife and biodiversity, with government officials warning that this could be ‘the worst ecological disaster Australia has ever seen’,
“With regional NRM organisations covering the Australian continent and with their strong community partnerships they are keen to support the rollout of education, surveillance, detection and response to this deadly strain of bird flu. The scale of this threat requires awareness and collaboration across all sectors and governments.” Kate said.
NRM Regions Australia has joined with the Invasive Species Council and others in thanking the Australian Government for being proactive.
“This announcement is a positive example of governments, key agencies and non-government organisations working together. These partnerships are critical as we work to protect Australia’s precious wildlife, our environment and our agricultural industries from both this strain of bird flu, and future biosecurity threats.” Kate said.
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Australian Government media release: https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/collins/media-releases/delivering-more-than-100-million-fight-avian-influenza
NRM Regions Australia Bird Flu resource collection: https://nrmregionsaustralia.com.au/knowledge-bank/biosecurity-knowledge-hub-diseases/
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Read the Australian Government's 'Supporting Australia’s Avian Influenza Preparedness and Response' document
Image - Whiskered terns at Lake Murphy provided by North Central Catchment Management Authority.