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Gearing Up H5 Bird Flu Preparedness Australia’s Native Species

Avitrol Corportation | December 17, 2025

South Australia is stepping up efforts to protect its most vulnerable native species as the threat of H5 bird flu continues to grow. Through targeted habitat improvements and threat reduction, these actions aim to give wildlife the best possible chance to withstand potential outbreaks-now and into the future.

Strengthening Habitats Where It Matters Most

An additional $1.5 million in funding is being invested to reduce pressure on ecosystems that support seabirds, shorebirds, and marine mammals. The focus is on restoring and protecting habitats that are critical to species survival, including:

Ramsar-listed wetlands
Offshore islands
Key coastal and marine wildlife sites

By improving habitat quality, these projects help build stronger, more resilient populations that are better equipped to cope with disease threats like H5 bird flu.

Tackling Invasive Species and Predators

A major component of this effort involves controlling invasive and feral species that place extra stress on native wildlife. This includes management of:

Feral cats
Foxes
Invasive pigs

Reducing these threats helps protect nesting sites, food sources, and breeding success-especially for species already under pressure.

Protecting Iconic South Australian Wildlife

These actions directly support some of South Australia’s most iconic and vulnerable species, including:

Australian sea lions
Fairy terns
Pelicans

Healthier habitats mean these species are better positioned to survive both immediate disease risks and long-term environmental challenges.

On-the-Ground Projects Across the State

Funded projects currently underway include:

Habitat restoration and feral bird control on offshore islands of the Fleurieu Peninsula
Predator control and habitat restoration along the Limestone Coast
Fox and feral cat control to protect vulnerable bird sites along the metropolitan coastline
Invasive pig control at the Coongie Lakes Ramsar site

Each project targets high-risk areas where intervention can make the biggest difference.

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Part of a National H5 Bird Flu Preparedness Strategy

This work in South Australia is part of a broader $100 million Australian Government investment focused on H5 bird flu preparedness, including $35.9 million dedicated to environmental measures.

Additional funding supporting South Australia includes:

$1.2 million to strengthen Australian sea lion resilience
$300,000 for species and site planning
$130,000 to protect captive populations of threatened species

Building Long-Term Conservation Resilience

While these efforts address immediate risks posed by H5 bird flu, their impact goes far beyond disease prevention. By restoring habitats and reducing threats, these projects deliver long-term conservation benefits that will protect South Australia’s native species for years to come.