Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Avian Influenza HPAI Preparedness 2026

HPAI preparedness in 2026 reflects lessons learned from the catastrophic 2021-23 outbreaks and investment in surveillance, response, and research.

Key Facts

Enhanced sentinel surveillance networks detect new outbreaks faster than in 2021
Wildlife rehabilitation centre biosecurity protocols have been standardised following outbreak response
3Rs principles in HPAI research are reducing experimental animal welfare costs
Vaccine delivery technology for wild birds is in advanced development
Community reporting networks have expanded significantly following public engagement from outbreaks

Welfare Considerations

Improved HPAI preparedness in 2026 reflects genuine investment in surveillance, response, and research following the welfare catastrophe of 2021-23. Better prepared systems will reduce the welfare cost of future outbreaks compared to what unpreparedness cost in past years.

What You Can Do

Support HPAI surveillance and preparedness investment through relevant conservation organisations
Join community reporting networks for sick and dead wild birds
Donate to wildlife rehabilitation centres maintaining HPAI biosecurity and response capacity