Arabic version: أطباء بيطريون يطلبون تمويلاً لحماية الطيور البرية

According to ABC News, veterinarians warn they could be forced to euthanase hundreds of wild birds with recoverable injuries unless governments provide urgent funding, resources and suitable facilities during the H5 bird flu crisis. The virus has been confirmed in every Australian state, while the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory have yet to detect it.

Some practices have imposed blanket bans on treating injured or sick wild birds to protect other animals, including domestic pets, even when birds do not show avian influenza symptoms. At wildlife vet Mish Simpson’s clinic in Adelaide’s Onkaparinga Hills, staff treated 20 to 30 birds in recent weeks, compared with 140 over the previous year. She expects hundreds during the spring breeding season.

Clinics have established temporary isolated surgeries and triage areas through self-funding and donations. Ms Simpson said euthanasia could become the “most logical outcome” for birds with otherwise recoverable injuries or those needing short-term care once facilities reach capacity. She said conserving bird life was crucial because common birds could disappear and more vulnerable species could face population loss.

The Australian Veterinary Association has requested $7.5 million over four years from the federal government to support veterinary responses, but its call has not received a commitment. The federal Department of Agriculture said the Commonwealth was leading a collaborative response focused on wildlife, livestock, human health and mental health. Wildlife vet Dr Jackie Reed said funding was needed for isolation facilities and personal protective equipment, while Ms Simpson also called for South Australian vets to receive H5 testing kits. South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries said national laboratory protocols meant it had no current plans to provide the kits to wildlife vets.

Veterinary staff said unnecessary euthanasia could deepen an existing profession-wide mental health crisis. Sophie’s Legacy co-founder Garry Putland urged governments to recognise vets’ work and fund the industry in ways that reduce pressures and help lower suicide rates.