Summary
HPAI H5N1 has thus far affected more than 400 wild bird species and 40 mammal species globally since 2021, marking it an animal disease of unprecedented magnitude.
The virus has not yet arrived in Oceania, but there is a substantial risk it will do so via migratory sea- and/or shorebirds.
In addition to wild birds, sustained transmission means HPAI H5N1 has also severely impacted marine mammals, suggesting a risk of wide harm to Australia´s fauna.
Efforts to mitigate impacts on Australia´s fauna include enhanced surveillance of wild populations, protecting habitat to increase species´ resilience and the establishment of rapid response plans to manage outbreaks.