Webinar

H5 Avian Influenza (bird flu) is a global biosecurity issue with serious implications for wildlife, agriculture and human health. Highly pathogenic H5 bird flu is currently spreading internationally and, while Australia remains free of the virus, the risk of arrival is real and preparation is critical.

Since 2020, H5 bird flu has driven the largest and fastest-spreading outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza ever recorded. It has reached every continent except Australia, causing unprecedented mortality in wild birds, devastating impacts on poultry industries, and unexpected infections across a wide range of mammal species.

In this webinar, Karl Hillyard, Principal Ecologist and H5 Bird Flu Preparedness Coordinator at the Department for Environment and Water, will provide a clear, practical and up-to-date overview of H5 bird flu — what we know, what’s coming, and how South Australia is preparing.

The session will cover:

• What Avian Influenza is, and what makes the H5 strain different
• Where H5 bird flu is currently present globally, and how it could reach Australia
• What is likely to happen if H5 arrives, including impacts on wildlife, people and domestic animals
• How H5 bird flu presents in birds, other animals and humans
• What is currently underway in South Australia to prepare for a potential incursion

This webinar will be valuable for anyone working with wildlife, biosecurity, animal health, land management, or those with a general interest in emerging environmental and biosecurity risks.

Karl works within the Conservation and Wildlife Branch of the Department for Environment and Water. His current role is focused on preparing for H5 bird flu impacts on wildlife, particularly already threatened species. 

This session will be recorded and made available on the Green Adelaide YouTube channel.

For further information contact natalya.giffney@sa.gov.au