Plant and animal disease
Australia has a very favourable pest and disease status by international standards and must make every effort to retain that standing. Outbreaks of plant and animal diseases need to be identified and isolated as quickly as possible. This requires close cooperation between all spheres of government and the affected industries and communities. Local government emergency managers have a crucial role.
If you have/suspect an outbreak
The National pests and disease outbreaks site lists the current Australian Responses to plant and animal disease outbreaks. It has links to similar state and territory sites and instructions on how to report outbreaks. Importantly, organisations can subscribe to receive updates on pest and disease outbreaks.
Rapid Response Team
The Rapid Response Team (RRT) was initially developed to assist smaller jurisdictions such as Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania, in the initial establishment of a Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) and State Disease Control Headquarters (SDCHQ) during the response to an EAD (Emergency Animal Disease).
Australian Government lead agency
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has a division called Product Integrity and Animal and Plant Health (PIAPH) that leads the Australian Government in minimising the impact of pests, diseases and contaminants on Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
The Department's emergency management pages have links for plans, contacts and crisis communications.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing avian influenza webpage. This webpage contains information for the general public, health professionals, livestock and industry on avian influenza (bird flu).
- The latest news on bird flu
- Frequently asked questions
- Avian influenza biosecurity fact sheet
(pdf 141 kb) (Animal Health Australia) - Avian influenza (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry)
- Information for all bird owners (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
- Frequently asked questions about avian influenza or bird flu
(doc49 kb). This document contains a list of frequently asked questions about avian influenza, also known as bird flu. (Department of Health and Ageing)
For information regarding local government and emergency management, please contact:
