Emus are Australia's national bird and largest native bird. While not endangered, their welfare in conflict with agriculture and during drought creates ongoing welfare management challenges.
Wild emu welfare is primarily affected by agricultural conflict during drought and road mortality during nomadic movements. Attempts to deter emus from crops using exclusion fencing and hazing are more welfare-conscious than lethal control, which historically has involved large-scale shootings. Drought conditions concentrate emus in smaller areas near remaining water, increasing stress from competition and human conflict. Road mortality causes traumatic deaths of animals crossing major highways. Conservation of habitat connectivity allowing emu movement between drought-refuge areas reduces the stress and mortality associated with forced concentration in inadequate areas. Their unusual breeding biology — male incubation without female involvement — means male mortality during breeding season has particularly significant population effects.