Welcome to the H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Field Officer Training, developed by the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health.
This training series provides practical guidance for field officers involved in HPAI surveillance and response. Through these modules, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to work safely and effectively in the field — from understanding the disease and applying biosecurity measures to swabbing, necropsy procedures, sample handling, and shipping.
Each video is designed to build confidence and consistency in field operations, helping protect Australia’s wildlife, domestic animals, and community health.
This video series has been created by Taronga Conservation Society’s Australian Registry of Wildlife Health with support and input from New South Wales Departments of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Health. Videography and editing were performed by Guy Dixon of Suntop Production House.
Introduction - H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza - Field Officer Training
This video provides an overview of H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), its significance to wildlife, domestic animals, and human health, and the critical role field officers play in early detection and response.
You’ll be introduced to key concepts, biosecurity principles, and field protocols designed to help keep people, animals, and the environment safe. This training is an important foundation for anyone involved in surveillance, incident response, or wildlife health management.
Donning and Doffing - H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza - Field Officer Training
This video provides practical guidance on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with potentially infectious wildlife or contaminated environments.
You’ll learn the step-by-step process for safely putting on and removing PPE to reduce the risk of disease exposure and prevent cross-contamination. These procedures are essential for protecting yourself, your team, and the health of Australia’s wildlife.
Sample Shipping - H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza - Field Officer Training
This video provides guidance on the safe and compliant packaging, labelling, and transport of samples collected during H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) surveillance and response activities.
You’ll learn best-practice procedures to ensure samples reach the laboratory in good condition, while meeting all biosecurity and transport regulations. Correct shipping practices help protect handlers, maintain sample integrity, and support timely and accurate diagnostic testing.
Swabbing - H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza - Field Officer Training
This video provides step-by-step guidance on the safe and effective collection of swab samples from animals during H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) surveillance and response activities.
You’ll learn recommended techniques, proper handling, and key biosecurity measures to ensure high-quality samples while minimising risk to both people and animals. Accurate and consistent swabbing is essential for early detection and effective disease management.