Australia is the only continent free of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, but farmers have been urged to prepare for it striking here.
The Albanese government overnight announced it was spending the additional funding on a range of biosecurity and environmental measures to reduce the impacts of the disease.
In other countries, including the US and some European nations, H5N1 has caused a decrease in egg production and fatalities among wild birds and some mammal species.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said its arrival in Australia was unavoidable.
The new spending includes $37 million to boost biosecurity and scientific capabilities to better protect the farming industry.
There is also $35.9 million for environmental measures and protections to protect threatened species.
The government also plans to spend $22.1 million on bird flu vaccine stocks.
Scientists have predicted the H5N1 strain of bird flu was likely to arrive this spring as birds from the northern hemisphere migrate south.
Scavenging animals and predator birds are known to be at particularly high risk of infection through eating infected birds or animal carcasses.
The country’s chief vet told an assembly of government and animal welfare groups that Tasmanian devils and Australia’s eagle population are specifically at risk.
“Tassie Devils have been pushed to the brink of extinction by a devastating facial tumour, and are also battling land clearing, mining, logging, and road deaths,” Invasive Species Council Advocacy Director Jack Gough said.
“The introduction of this deadly strain of bird flu could be catastrophic, derailing recovery efforts, reducing genetic diversity and threatening their survival.
Tasmanian devil habitats like Robbins Island in northwest Tasmania could be affected if migrating birds bring the virus to the island.
With the looming threat of a deadly strain of bird flu approaching Australia, the government has announced a $95 million investment in combating the disease. Despite being the only continent free of the H5N1 strain, preparations are urged as the virus is expected to make its way to the country. The funding will be allocated towards biosecurity, environmental measures, and bird flu vaccine stocks to protect the farming industry and threatened species. Concerns have been raised about the impact on wildlife such as Tasmanian devils and eagles, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against potential outbreaks. The arrival of the virus is seen as inevitable, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate its impact on the environment and wildlife populations.
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