The federal government has committed nearly $7 million to detect and respond to the H5 strain of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The strain is deadly for chickens and wild mammals and is not the same as the H7 strain causing the current outbreaks in Australia.

$2.2 million will go towards the Wildlife Health Australia One Health Surveillance Initiative, while $1.1 million will extend the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program for another four years.

Another $1.95 million of the announced funding is earmarked for Animal Health Australia, including investigating the potential for commercial avian influenza vaccines in Australia.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said "we cannot rest on our laurels."

“The arrival of migratory birds from areas where H5 HPAI is present – particularly as spring approaches – means we face a constant risk that is outside of our control," Minister Watt said.

“We can’t stop the natural migration patterns of wild birds that may be sick, but we can prepare ourselves if that does occur.

“There has been a multi-faceted response across governments, other agencies and industry, led by the team at Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, as we work to mitigate the impact that any H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza incursion could have.

“We are also working with affected jurisdictions and industry to respond to the H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza outbreaks in Australia.”

Swollen heads, combs and wattles, shown in this image, are some signs of avian influenza. SOURCE: NSW Department of Primary Industries

It comes after the NSW government confirmed on 19 June that the H7N8 strain was detected at a poultry egg farm in Hawkesbury.

The same strain was detected on a nearby farm on 22 June and farm were placed under

The NSW outbreaks are separate to the H7 HPAI strains found in Victoria and are not linked.

Authorities believe the NSW outbreaks likely originated from wild birds.

National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke welcomed the funding.

“The current bird flu outbreaks have reaffirmed that timely and accurate information is critical,” Mr Jochinke said

“It is imperative that we pull every lever to ensure Australia is prepared for this deadly strain, if and when it arrives on our shores.

“Poultry farmers across the country will also be pleased to see Animal Health Australia supported to increase the national response capability in poultry, including investigating the potential for a vaccine."