Bird flu crisis will get to the stage where 'all we can do is euthanase', vets warn

Veterinary professionals are warning that the bird flu crisis in Australia will reach a critical point where euthanizing healthy wild birds may be the only option, due to a lack of government funding and appropriate facilities. The profession is already dealing with a mental health crisis, and without urgent support, they fear they may be forced to euthanize savable birds.

In the absence of federal funding, some clinics have implemented strict protocols, including a ban on treating wild birds even if they do not display symptoms of avian influenza. Veterinary clinics are bracing for a surge in wild bird cases as the breeding season approaches, and they are preparing temporary isolation spaces to treat the influx.

However, without additional resources, they fear they will be left with no choice but to make the difficult decision to euthanize healthy birds. The Australian Veterinary Association is urging the government to commit to funding $7.5 million over four years to support veterinarians in responding to the bird flu crisis, but this request has yet to be met.