Australia has long relied on volunteers: As bird flu spreads, they will need support
Australia had years to prepare for the arrival of bird flu. The deadly, highly transmissible H5N1 strain emerged in late 2020 in Asia before spreading to every other continent except Australia.
Australia has long depended on volunteers for conservation and wildlife care. With the recent spread of bird flu, these volunteers will require additional support. The deadly H5N1 strain emerged in Asia in late 2020 and began spreading globally, reaching Australia in June. The government has claimed preparedness with A$47 million allocated for habitat improvement, surveillance, and control of invasive species.
However, the reality is that conservation in Australia is underfunded, relying heavily on volunteers who dedicate their time and personal resources. In 2019, over 20,000 volunteers spent an average of $5,300 annually on food and equipment. As bird flu cases rise, the demand for volunteer assistance increases, yet volunteers are being asked to avoid contact with sick animals.
This conflicting advice puts wildlife at risk and puts volunteers in potentially dangerous situations. Experts are calling for increased funding to support both wildlife conservation and bird flu surveillance, recognizing that volunteers play a crucial role in collecting vital data.
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