Would you know what to do if a patient presented concerned about exposure to avian influenza?
While the risk of H5 avian influenza to human health is low, with increasing H5 avian influenza detections in animals in Australia, GPs may have a role in responding to potential exposures and patient concerns. This webinar will provide a practical update on the epidemiology of H5 avian influenza in Australia and globally, Australia’s animal health response and its relevance to human health.
The webinar will also explore how to manage a patient presenting with concerns about exposure to avian influenza, how to assess their exposure risk, and how to test symptomatic people following likely exposure.
Learning outcomes
- Summarise the current epidemiology of H5 avian influenza in Australia and globally
- Describe Australia’s animal health response to H5 avian influenza and its relevance to human health
- Apply a human risk assessment for H5 avian influenza for patients presenting with concerns about exposure to potentially infected animals.
- Demonstrate how to manage a patient presenting with concerns about exposure to avian influenza including how to test symptomatic people following plausible exposure.
Facilitator
Dr Natasha Feingold – General Practitioner
Dr Natasha Feingold is a GP from Sydney who has recently moved to the Gold Coast, QLD and works for a specialised women’s health clinic where she has a speciality interest in chronic disease management. She is committed to the quality medical education of junior doctors and worked for many years as a lecturer at the University of Notre Dame School of Medicine. Additionally, Dr Feingold is an examiner for RACGP fellowship exams to ensure the next generation of GPs are providing a high standard of care. She also previously held a position on the RACGP faculty for NSW/ACT where she advocated for recently fellowed GPs and organised wellbeing conferences for doctors and their families. Finally, Dr Feingold is also a wife and mother of two young boys which helps keeps her balanced outside of her clinic.
Presenters
Dr Joanne Coombe
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Dr Jo Coombe is the New South Wales Chief Veterinary Officer and Director of Animal Biosecurity at NSW DPIRD. She began her career as an orthoptist in the UK before retraining as a veterinarian at the University of Melbourne. Jo later worked in dairy practice, conducted research, and taught veterinary students. She also brings extensive experience in antimicrobial stewardship, helping advance responsible antimicrobial use across animal industries. Today, Jo leads complex animal health and biosecurity programs. She is passionate about building high-performing teams, supporting producers, protecting communities, and turning complex issues into clear, practical solutions that deliver lasting outcomes together.
Dr Kerryn Coleman
Executive Director Health Protection NSW, NSW Health
Dr Kerryn Coleman is a public health physician and senior health executive with leadership experience across the Commonwealth, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT, where she served nearly eight years as Chief Health Officer. Her career has focused on disease prevention, health promotion and population health protection. Since March 2026, as Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, she has led NSW’s health protection system, overseeing communicable disease control, immunisation, environmental health, and public health emergency preparedness and response. She provides strategic leadership to reduce public health risks and improve health outcomes across New South Wales.
