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The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has welcomed a $12 million investment by the federal government to bolster our national response to potential outbreaks of H5 Avian Influenza in recognition of National Biosecurity Week.

National Biosecurity Week: 25 to 31 August 2025 As National Biosecurity Week highlights the importance of safeguarding our borders, animals and communities, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is calling for attention to the essential yet often overlooked role veterinarians play in protecting Australia’s food systems, public health, and environment.

Veterinarians and horse owners are advised to stay vigilant with biosecurity measures to prevent and manage equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) following 2 recent detections in horses in the state.

The grant marks a significant milestone in the program’s evolution, supporting its transition from a successful national pilot to broader integration across the veterinary sector, driven by overwhelmingly positive feedback from participating teams.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) are reminding horse owners across Queensland and New South Wales that the best protection for horses and owners from Hendra virus is vaccination.