Avian influenza (AI) is an infectious disease of birds caused by influenza virus type A strains and is a significant problem around the world due to the devastating effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtypes in poultry.
This report outlines results from the sampling of wild birds as part of the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program (the Program) between July 2011 and June 2012. The Program provides a good understanding of the avian influenza viruses (AIVs) circulating in wild birds in Australia, contributes to better decision-making and knowledge of risk factors, and provides an early warning system.
Wild bird surveillance is part of the broad national approach to identifying and managing the risks from avian influenza.