Dr. Tiggy Grillo

Nothing is going to necessarily completely resolve the issue of this particular virus and the impact it's going to have on wildlife.

We're going to see some really unfortunate outcomes.

However, there's been a huge amount done in advance.

So the things that are in the toolkit include conservation measures to try and reduce the other threats that some of our critically endangered and threatened and vulnerable species are facing.

So invasive species management has been a priority for government funding and for state management authorities to look at how they can reduce the invasive species, say, for example, on islands or specifically in relation to some of those vulnerable bird populations to really remove that threat.

And then there might be additional conservation measures that are put into play when the virus enters into particular locations.

So there might be areas that are reduced in terms of human disturbance.

more human disturbance might impact the bird's ability to fight an infection.

And so there might be areas that are closed to people.

And then vaccination is something that Australia has looked at for very specific species.

And there have been, there's policy already available to determine whether or not we can vaccinate rare and protected species.

Some trials have been underway with specific species and that that's something in the toolbox.

Currently, the policy is really aimed at those species that are being kept in captivity that are vulnerable.

They're almost like our insurance populations.

And the Australian government has also supported a lot of biosecurity measures for the facilities that are holding those species.

And so a lot of those facilities are now bolstering their biosecurity, making sure, you know, they have good enclosures that aren't exposing them to wild birds and so forth, making sure their staff have the right equipment, you know, their boot washes on the way in and so forth.

With the recognition that this has come most likely landed through vagrant birds, birds that infrequently land on Australia's shores from the south,

We're obviously conscious of more birds potentially having landed in Western Australia.

So raising awareness, ensuring people are aware of their avoid, record, report and calling the hotline.

And the same is actually occurring across the southern coastline.