Emergency and Disaster Response

Support, coordination, and updates during disease outbreaks and natural disasters

Supporting rapid action, coordination, and resources to protect animal health during outbreaks, natural disasters, and emergency events.

Emergency Animal Diseases

Emergency animal diseases (EADs) refer to diseases that are exotic to Australia, to new and emerging diseases that are of national significance, and it can also include serious outbreaks of diseases that may already be endemic in the country.

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza

The AVA developed several resources in November 2025 to assist veterinary preparation and response to HPAI. 

Natural Disasters

Wildlife health surveillance is vital to human health, agriculture, the environment and biodiversity in Australia, as many diseases that can affect humans and livestock often emerge in wildlife, and by protecting wildlife, we invest in a healthier, more sustainable future.

Disaster Recovery Funding and Assistance

The AVA Veterinary Benevolent Fund exists to help any veterinary professional, AVA member or not, going through financial hardship, including impacts from the recent floods.

AVA Natural Disaster Advocacy

The current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), a cost-sharing initiative between the Australian Government and State/Territory Governments, commendably aids individuals, businesses, and communities following disasters. 

Wildlife health

Veterinarians may interact with Australian native wildlife through the provision of veterinary treatment and rehabilitation, involvement in wildlife translocations, for wildlife disease surveillance and reporting, and through research and educational activities.