The warning signs are over: Australia now faces a devastating bird flu outbreak in wildlife

As wild bird infections increase, the poultry industry needs to be supported in implementing biosecurity procedures, and strategic surveillance is needed for both farms and wildlife.

Reliable mortality estimates are essential to understand the long-term impacts, and support species to recover. Australia should also assess whether vaccination could protect vulnerable marine mammals before mass deaths begin.

We cannot stop wild birds from flying. But we can decide whether this becomes an unmanaged wildlife catastrophe or a closely tracked outbreak, with farms and vulnerable species given timely protection.