Further suspect H5 bird flu detection in Victoria
31 July 2026
Another greater crested tern at Portland is suspected to have H5 bird flu.
There is now one positive case and one suspect case in Victoria.
The second greater crested tern reported by a community member is suspected for H5 bird flu after returning a positive result at AgriBio. Samples are undergoing confirmatory testing at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the additional suspect case highlighted the importance of early reporting of sick and dead wildlife.
‘We have been preparing for the arrival of H5 bird flu, and we're now using those plans to support surveillance, testing and response activities across the state.’
‘We ask Victorians to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, record what they see and report it. Early reporting gives us the best chance to reduce the impacts of the disease,’ Dr Cooke said.
- AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment
- RECORD what you see and where you saw it.
- REPORT it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
There remain no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock, nor evidence of mass mortalities in any animals anywhere in Australia. The risk to human health of H5 bird flu is low.
Dr Cooke encouraged the community to report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
Report even 1 sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).
Victoria’s Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd said the Commonwealth, states and territories had been preparing for a potential detection given the annual movement of migratory birds to Australia.
‘Based on overseas experience, this strain can affect large numbers of wild birds and some mammals. That's why we're asking Victorians to report sick or dead wildlife and avoid direct contact with animals that appear unwell.
Media contact: sboc.media@agriculture.vic.gov.au