Bird flu in wild birds across Victoria: what you need to know
H5 bird flu has now been detected in wild birds across Victoria. More than 400 positive events have been recorded in wildlife across Australia, including more than 100 in Victoria.
At this stage, Victorian detections remain limited to wild birds, with no cases reported in poultry farms or agricultural settings.
The risk of bird flu to people in Australia remains low and is not considered a food safety risk for chicken meat or eggs when they are handled and cooked correctly.
Residents play an important role in helping monitor and respond to bird flu. If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, remember: Avoid. Record. Report.
Avoid:
- stay away from sick or dead wild birds and other wildlife
- avoid contact with feathers, eggs, droppings and surrounding areas
- keep pets away from affected wildlife and locations.
Record:
Collect information that may assist investigators, including:
- date and time
- location, such as an address, GPS pin or nearby landmark
- identification or description of the bird or animal
- number of animals affected
- details of what you observed, including signs of illness, deaths or remains.
Report:
- Clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species found together anywhere in Victoria.
- A single sick or dead high-risk animal, including:
-
- seabirds
- waterbirds
- shorebirds
- birds of prey, such as hawks, owls and eagles
- marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions and dolphins.
Report wildlife sickness or deaths to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) using the online wildlife influenza reporting form or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Protecting your pets
Dogs and cats can also be exposed to bird flu through contact with infected wildlife. Residents are encouraged to take precautions when walking dogs or allowing pets outdoors, including:
- keep dogs on leads when walking. Leads may also be recommended in designated off-leash areas if there is a perceived risk of exposure
- keep cats indoors or in effective outdoor cat enclosures
- keep pets away from sick or dead birds and other animals, particularly in coastal areas
- keep pets away from areas where birds congregate, such as waterways
- avoid areas with large amounts of bird droppings.
What is bird flu?
H5 bird flu, also known as H5N1 avian influenza, is a contagious viral disease that affects wild birds, poultry and some mammals. Agriculture Victoria advises that bird flu cannot be controlled in wild bird populations, so the current focus is on monitoring, reporting and reducing the risk of spread to poultry, wildlife and people. The risk to people in Australia remains low.
Council is working with relevant agencies to monitor the situation and share information with the community as required.
We encourage residents to follow the latest advice from Victorian and Australian government authorities and report suspected cases when required.
For the latest information and advice: