18/08/2026
As Tasmania responds to confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in wild birds, Aboriginal organisations and ranger groups must be included in planning, monitoring and decisions that affect Country and communities.
For Aboriginal communities, the potential effects extend beyond individual birds. Wildlife is part of Country, culture, community knowledge and livelihoods. Bird flu may affect culturally significant species, ranger activities, cultural harvesting and the health of interconnected ecosystems.
Aboriginal ranger teams are already contributing to surveillance and preparedness. Before the first Tasmanian detection, the Tebrakunna Rangers were preparing to monitor for sick and dead birds, support shorebird surveys and work with authorities as part of their broader care for Country.
That work demonstrates why Aboriginal organisations and ranger groups must have a meaningful role in Tasmania’s ongoing response.
TRACA believes this should include:
• direct and timely communication with Aboriginal organisations across Tasmania
• coordination with ranger teams and recognition of their local knowledge
• appropriate training, equipment and resources for organisations involved in monitoring or response work
• genuine consultation before decisions are made that could affect access to Country, cultural practices or harvesting.
Current health advice is that the risk to people remains low. However, everyone can help authorities monitor the situation.
If you see sick or dead birds or other animals:
• do not touch them or get too close
• keep children and pets away
• record the location and take photographs from a safe distance if possible
• report the sighting to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Preparedness means paying attention, following reliable advice and ensuring the Aboriginal people and organisations already caring for Country are part of what happens next.
Current information and reporting options:
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu
Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation - SETAC Weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation Parrdarrama Pungenna Aboriginal Corporation