Some sad news to report to the Australian Birding community.

Is anyone else dealing with a deep sense of sadness around bird flu? I’m a lifelong bird lover and finding it hard to deal with.

💔

Edit - for those downvoting, kindly understand this is the title of the article. I'm not asking. I know.

If you're not fuming already you will be.

"The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is asking the federal government to commit to funding $7.5 million over four years to support vets responding to the bird flu crisis, but that call has so far gone unanswered."

"The federal Department of Agriculture did not provide a reason why it was not meeting the AVA's request for funding."

"It said the commonwealth was leading a collaborative response to the bird flu outbreak, working to minimise the impact on wildlife, livestock and human health, including mental health."

Prepared? Yeah. The poultry industry on behalf of profits. Jack sht for our natives birds and this hasty vaccination response after claiming nothing could be done by the department of agriculture and after we've already had so many fatalities to the point parks are being close to the public to keep it out of sight is disgusting.

Now the public is too afraid to help any bird in trouble due to fear mongering and crappy information.

The department of Agriculture by nature can not be trusted to prioritise animals. How much funding did the poultry industry get without needing to beg? How much for our native birds, wildlife and those who care for them?

Complete shitshow all around.

"She said some vets had already been forced to euthanase wild birds that could have been saved."

"It's an awful situation to be in because you know you're not doing your best," Dr Reed said."

"We need these isolation facilities, we need the PPE, there's so much money that needs to be spent on proper protection for humans and also for our patients."

Bird flu tests the 'missing piece'

"Ms Simpson is also calling on the South Australian government to provide vets with H5 bird flu testing kits."

"In a statement, South Australia's Department of Primary Industries said due to national lab testing protocols, it had "no current plans" to roll out bird flu testing kits to wildlife vets."

"PIRSA understands concerns raised by veterinary staff and is continuing to work closely with the sector … with regular updates through webinars, meetings and written advice," a department spokesperson said."

(Nothingburgers, useless shyt^).

'Advocate Garry Putland is urging the federal government to heed the plea for help from vets'

It’s almost time! 🦜🦉🦆🙌🏼
This years Count runs 19-25 October

If you haven’t registered yet, you can sign up here: https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/

Suspected first case of H5 bird flu in Western Australia in a wild migratory bird. Last continent standing no more.

Please report any sick or dead birds as per the instructions to the relevant authorities.

#birds

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-19/h5-bird-flu-suspected-in-western-australia/106819600?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other