CEO UPDATE
H5 bird flu detected in Western Australia
H5 bird flu has been detected in two wild birds in a remote part of Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance in Western Australia.
Testing at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed that both a brown skua and a northern giant petrel were positive for H5N1 avian influenza. These birds were found in the same area.
This is the first time the globally circulating H5 bird flu strain has been detected in Australia.
At this stage, there is no evidence of spread to other animals, no mass wildlife mortality, and no detection in poultry.
The detection in wild birds does not change Australia’s current H5 bird flu in poultry freedom status in accordance with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) international standards. There are currently no trade restrictions for animal and animal products for export out of Australia
While this development is concerning, it is not unexpected. Australia has been preparing for the possible arrival of this strain, and our recent experience managing H7 avian influenza outbreaks has strengthened our response capability.
Authorities are responding quickly. Surveillance has been increased, and coordination is underway between state and national governments, industry and key partners. AHA will continue to keep members informed as the situation evolves. To receive our animal disease updates, visit our subscribe page.
We encourage continued vigilance.
- Avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
- Report unusual deaths to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.
- Maintain strong biosecurity practices, particularly for poultry.
Australia is well prepared, and early detection and rapid response remain key to protecting our animals, industries and wildlife.
For the latest information, visit birdflu.gov.au.
AOP and new project consultation
With the end of the financial year upon us, we’re working hard to finalise the 2026–27 Annual Operating Plan (AOP). In recent weeks, I’ve reached out to members for feedback on the plan and subscription contributions for the year ahead. We have taken the feedback on board and adjusted our approach accordingly. I’d like to thank everyone for their time and valuable insights in shaping our future direction.
We’ll be seeking approval for the subscription‑funded components of the AOP at our General Meeting today (23 June 2026).
Following the meeting, we will undertake a dedicated consultation process to further engage members on the three new proposed projects. This will include a session in July to step through their purpose, value and potential funding approach, and to support informed discussion before any decisions are taken on how these projects progress.
Members should already have a calendar invite to this session in their diaries.
AHA director awarded OAM
AHA Board Director Lucinda Corrigan has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List. Lucinda received this recognition for her significant service to the meat and livestock industry, sustainability, and climate action.
Lucinda is an experienced non‑executive director and owner of a long-standing family Angus genetics business in the Murray Valley. She has served on the AHA Board since 2022, bringing deep expertise in animal welfare, genetics, international markets, and innovation, as well as strong leadership across the livestock and research sectors.
On behalf of the Board and AHA, I warmly congratulate Lucinda on this well‑deserved honour and thank her for her ongoing contribution to AHA and the broader livestock sector.
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
Crisis management planning (CMP) workshop
AHA and Phoenix Resilience, an emergency management and resilience consultancy, facilitated a hybrid full‑day crisis management planning workshop in Brisbane on 29 May 2026, ably supported by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and DAFF.
The workshop was the final session of AHA’s CMP project, which has focused on developing consistent, practical CMP templates and tools to support livestock industries during an EAD response.
A mix of AHA industry and associate members participated, bringing varied levels of experience in EAD preparedness. Participants worked through the templates and applied them in practical scenarios, helping to build capability in response coordination, decision‑making and communication. A final report will be prepared, including recommendations for future training in this space.
AHA thanks all contributors to the workshop and the broader project.
NAMP Annual Report 2024-25 out now
The 2024–25 National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) Annual Report is out now.
NAMP tracks selected insect-borne viruses that affect livestock across Australia. The report provides an overview of arbovirus activity during September 2024 to August 2025 transmission season and supports market access and national surveillance.
Read the report to see the latest distribution patterns and monitoring results across Australia.
AUSVETPLAN update
As we approach the end of the financial year, the AUSVETPLAN team has been focused on finalising the 2025-26 work plan and positioning the program strongly for the year ahead. This work will help establish clear priorities and support our continued focus on delivering value to our members.
While a number of AUSVETPLAN documents continue to progress through the approvals process, work has also continued on several documents that are either under development or being prepared for review as part of the 2026-27 work plan, including:
- AUSVETPLAN Guidance document: Movement controls
- AUSVETPLAN Guidance document: Tracing and surveillance
- AUSVETPLAN Enterprise manual: Poultry industry
- AUSVETPLAN Response policy briefs
- Updates to the AUSVETPLAN Overview
- Persistence of disease agents in carcases and animal products.
As planning for the 2026-27 work plan progresses, government and industry engagement will continue through AUSVETPLAN writing groups and the review process for each document under review. Animal Health Australia recognises that government and industry involvement is essential to the development of technically sound and fit-for-purpose AUSVETPLAN documents, and thanks our members for their ongoing support and contributions.
EAD training update
NBRT Professional Development Week 2026
The National Biosecurity Response Team (NBRT) met in Adelaide from 18–22 May for its annual Professional Development Week (PD Week). The event brought together members, alumni and industry representatives to build skills, strengthen collaboration and support Australia’s biosecurity response capability.
Reminder: CCEAD and NMG survey
AHA is seeking member input into the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) and National Management Group (NMG) Training Survey to gather strategic feedback on these training programs.
Member input will guide future training design, ensuring it is practical, targeted, and aligned with organisational preparedness needs.
Please complete the CCEAD and NMG survey by Friday 26 June 2026.
Contact trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au if you have any questions.
Learning Management System (LMS) transition
This is the final week for BOLT users to download their course records before the transition to AHA’s new learning management system, Acorn, on 1 July.
You can access courses and download training records until 30 June. From 1 July, training records will no longer be available (except for selected EAD courses), and online learning will move to Acorn.
For details, see our FAQ page or email trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
EADRA update
The EADRA Guidance document: Statistical data for cost-sharing calculations has been updated following stakeholder consultation. You can access it on the EADRA webpage or via the link below.
The Categorisation Review WG met on 28 May 2026 to discuss final edits to the draft Terms of Reference for an Emergency Animal Disease Categorisation Panel and plan testing of the new guidance on categorisation.
The Normal Commitments WG met on 21 May 2026 to review proposed updates to Schedule 6.3 of the EADRA based on legal advice received by AHA.
Resource of the month
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) prevention and control videos
Released 26 May 2026, these Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) webinars brought together leading international experts to address key LSD topics, including LSD epidemiology and surveillance, vector transmission and control, outbreak detection and more.