Welcome to the Australian Wildlife Health Network website.

The Australian Wildlife Health Network (AWHN: the Network) is an unincorporated, not-for-profit organisation that comprises a network of government and private stakeholders across Australia.  The AWHN’s mission is to promote and facilitate collaborative links in the investigation and management of wildlife health in support of human and animal health, biodiversity and trade. The Network's vision is for a nationally integrated wildlife health system for Australia. The AWHN is complimentary to existing organisations and does not duplicate their operations. It supports animal biosecurity in Australia.

Core funding is provided by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.  AWHN activities are overseen by a Management Group that is chaired by Australia’s World Animal Health Organisation Focal Point for Wildlife Health.  Wildlife Coordinators in each jurisdiction are appointed by their Chief Veterinary Officer and provide information to support Australia’s National Animal Health Information System.

As a framework for the operation of the AWHN, wildlife is defined as managed and unmanaged populations of native and feral animals, including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Free-living fish are also included but are considered of lower priority. 

The AWHN is hosted by Taronga Conservation Society Australia supported by New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. It is based in New South Wales, Australia, at Sydney's Taronga Zoo but operates nationally.  

The Network's current priority is in expanding Australia's real-time wildlife health surveillance system, which is used to protect Australia's trade, human health and biodiversity.  In 2011/12 – 2013/14 the AWHN will support animal surveillance, horizon scanning , analysis and forecasting, contingency planning, linkage and representation, policy advice, and development and outreach.

If you would like more information on the Network or its activities, please contact us at awhn@zoo.nsw.gov.au or call 02 9932 4368 during business hours Monday to Friday.