Farmers and environmental groups are preparing for the arrival of a strain of bird flu that could cause significant damage.
Farmers are being warned to prepare for the arrival of the deadliest strain of the flu, H5N1.
Known as a highly pathogenic form of avian influenza, H5N1 primarily affects animals, and could further damage Australia’s poultry industry and the existence of some endangered species.
BirdLife Australia and the Invasive Species Council are seeking more federal funding to help protect threatened wildlife against the strain.
This comes ahead of an emergency meeting, surrounding the new strain with state environment and agriculture ministers, set for later this month.