Australia strengthens research and preparedness against H5 avian influenza
Australia
Priority Topic News Stakeholder News
Australia is strengthening its response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5, backed by more than AUD 270 million in government investment and scientific expertise from STAR IDAZ IRC partner CSIRO.
Following Australia’s first detection of H5 bird flu in June 2026, CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has played a central role in confirming cases, sequencing and characterising the virus, and supporting research to better understand its spread and potential impacts. Researchers are also combining bird movement, epidemiological and environmental data to help predict how H5N1 may spread and inform surveillance.
Research is already supporting practical interventions. In September, Australia began rolling out vaccination for almost 10,000 priority native birds, building on vaccine trials and pilot studies undertaken with CSIRO and other scientists.
The work highlights the importance of sustained investment in research, surveillance and preparedness to generate the evidence and tools needed to respond to rapidly evolving animal disease threats.
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