CEO UPDATE
H5 bird flu update
Following recent detections of H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in Australia, a coordinated national surveillance plan has been activated to monitor the situation and better understand the extent of the disease’s spread.
To date, H5 bird flu has been detected in a small number of wild migratory seabirds, with a single case detected in an Australian wild non-migratory seabird.
There have been no detections in poultry, no evidence of mass mortality in wildlife, and no evidence of spread to other animals. There are also currently no trade restrictions on poultry or poultry products exported from Australia.
Naturally, H5 bird flu’s arrival in Australia is attracting considerable media interest. While this can raise awareness and support detection, it can also lead to misplaced speculation and misinformation. We encourage all members to seek information from official sources and established national coordination arrangements.
For the latest H5 bird flu developments, visit birdflu.gov.au
AHA continues to participate in national coordination activities and will also keep members informed of significant developments as they come to hand.
You can visit our Avian Influenza Threat Update page and subscribe to our animal disease alerts to receive email updates.
In the meantime, we encourage members to continue promoting strong biosecurity practises and remember to avoid, record and report concerns to the EAD hotline on 1800 675 888.
General Meeting and proposed project consultation
Thank you to the CEOs and member representatives who attended our General Meeting in June. I’m pleased to report that members passed all resolutions.
On 27 July, we’re hosting a member webinar to continue consultation on options for identifying, prioritising and funding new strategic initiatives. This includes the three new projects proposed in the Annual Operating Plan:
- Central Animal Health Database uplift and modernisation
- National Biosecurity Reform uplift
- EAD Response Plan budget modelling tool
This session will be delivered as an information-sharing and information-gathering session. We will step through the proposed projects in more detail, discuss the rationale and governance considerations, and hear your views on how these initiatives should be progressed and funded.
Invitations should already be in your inbox. I look forward to this important and honest engagement.
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
Member Engagement Week – registrations now open
Registrations are now open for our September Member Engagement Week (MEW), taking place on 14–17 September 2026.
MEW is an important opportunity for members across government and industry to connect, collaborate and discuss key animal health and biosecurity priorities.
AHA will also be hosting a special celebration of AHA’s 30th anniversary to recognise the outstanding partnerships, achievements and people who have contributed to Australia’s animal health system over the past three decades.
Please note that September’s event is at a new venue — the Mercure Canberra Belconnen. Be sure to review the event details when registering and organising travel.
EADRA update
EADRA Variations and Amendments
The 2026 virtual EADRA Variations and Amendments meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday 17 November from 11am – 1pm (AEDT). EADRA Parties have received a placeholder calendar invitation for the meeting.
EADRA working groups (WGs)
The Categorisation Review WG met on 1 July 2026 to discuss the Terms of Reference and membership for the Emergency Animal Disease Categorisation Panel (EADCP), and to test the guidance on categorisation.
The Normal Commitments WG will meet on 16 July 2026 to finalise proposed changes to Schedule 6.3.
Out of session consultation is currently underway to establish a new working group to review the Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan (EADRP), with responses due by Monday 20 July 2026.
EAD training update
Upcoming CCEAD training exercise
Registrations are now open for the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) Training Exercise, happening 16 – 17 September as part of AHA Member Engagement Week.
The exercise uses scenario-based discussions to build members’ readiness for EAD incidents and create a collaborative space for learning and networking.
Now is the perfect time to review your current CCEAD representative lists and confirm who should attend.
Registrations close Friday 14 August. To register, discuss attendance with your peak industry body or government agency.
Enquiries: trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au
For details about the CCEAD, read the CCEAD and NMG Information Guide.
Final reminder: CCEAD and NMG survey
AHA is seeking member input into the CCEAD and National Management Group (NMG) Training Survey.
Your feedback will guide future training design, ensuring it is practical, targeted, and aligned with organisational preparedness needs.
The survey closes Friday 31 July 2026.
Contact trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au if you have any questions.
New Learning Management System (LMS) now live
AHA moved to a new online training platform on 1 July 2026. To access our available courses, visit Online training courses – Animal Health Australia.
For questions or support, email trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
National Biosecurity Strategy Action Plan webinar
DAFF will host the next National Biosecurity Strategy (NBS) Action Plan webinar on Thursday 30 July.
The session will highlight initiatives strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system, including Indigenous-led surveillance, avian influenza preparedness and response, and livestock disease surveillance in northern Australia.
Members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the work being delivered under the National Biosecurity Strategy.
- Date and time: Thursday 30 July, 12pm to 1pm (AEST)
- Online Event Link: National Biosecurity Strategy | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
Industry news and events
National Biosecurity Week 2026
National Biosecurity Week 2026 is on again from 24 to 30 August 2026.
National Biosecurity Week serves as an important reminder of the critical role biosecurity plays in protecting our environment, agricultural industries, food supply, communities and overall economy.
Subscribe to the Poultry Post
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) Poultry Post newsletter provides updates for domestic and commercial bird owners, poultry producers, hobby farmers and backyard flock keepers.
Subscribe to receive updates on bird health threats (including H5 bird flu), biosecurity alerts, outbreak notifications and practical advice to help keep birds safe and healthy.
5th International Congress on Biological Invasions
Registrations and abstract submissions are now open for the 5th International Congress on Biological Invasions (ICBI 2027), taking place in Perth from 18–21 April 2027.
Biosecurity scientists, policy-makers and practitioners from around the world will explore the theme From threats to solutions: advancing biosecurity. Abstract submissions close 18 September.
Resource of the month
National H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza guidelines for veterinarians
Practical guidance to help veterinary practices prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu. Covering biosecurity, triage, reporting and infection control, the guidelines support veterinarians to minimise disease risks and manage suspected or confirmed cases with confidence
Upcoming AHA events
Member Engagement Week
59 Cameron Ave, Belconnen ACT 2617