Wildlife Victoria appreciates the state government’s recognition of the important role the charity and its network of volunteers play in responding to the H5 bird flu outbreak.
“We have seen the devastating impact H5 bird flu has had on wildlife populations across the world and the arrival of the H5N1 strain on Australian shores poses an existential threat to our native wildlife, many species of which are found nowhere else in the world,” said Lisa Palma, Wildlife Victoria CEO.
“We commend the state government for this important step forward and welcome ongoing discussion and support, particularly ahead of the busy spring season, when Wildlife Victoria and its volunteers regularly respond to hundreds of reports of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife every day.
Wildlife Victoria’s 24/7 Emergency Response Service has been a key part of the response to date, handling reports and enquiries from members of the public about suspected cases of H5 bird flu.
The funding is a welcome first step that will help cover Wildlife Victoria’s costs to date and enable the charity to continue to support Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in responding to suspected cases of H5 bird flu.
The funding will also be used to support Wildlife Victoria volunteers who are on the frontline of the outbreak, including the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Wildlife Victoria will continue to work closely with DEECA to support the rollout of the funding and implement the operational procedures and protocols required for volunteers responding to wildlife at risk of H5 bird flu.
“The best hope we have for navigating this outbreak is to band together and we look forward to continuing to work alongside government, volunteers, veterinarians and the broader sector to achieve the best possible outcome for Victoria’s native wildlife,” Lisa Palma said.
