Australia Prepares for Bird Flu Arrival With $100 Million in New Funding

With the arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain in Australia considered “unavoidable,” the federal government has announced $95 million (US$64 million) in funding to prepare and protect the country. Currently, Australia is the only continent free of the H5N1 strain, which has caused significant problems globally, particularly affecting wild birds, some mammals, and livestock. The funding is aimed at bolstering the country’s biosecurity efforts, with almost $36 million for protecting threatened species and boosting environmental measures. Minister for Agriculture Julia Collins said the virus may enter Australia through migrating birds, which Australia cannot control at its borders and remains a serious concern....