H5 bird flu surveillance and testing update

3 August 2026

Surveillance continues along the south west Victorian coastline after a further six cases of H5 bird were confirmed by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) yesterday.

There have now been 7 confirmed positive H5 bird flu cases in Victoria in crested terns in Portland (5) and Nelson (2).

Further testing will also be undertaken at Victoria's state laboratory, AgriBio, after a cluster of sick and dead crested terns were identified through aerial surveillance in the Glenelg River Estuary near Nelson and across Lawrence Rocks over the weekend.

Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Graeme Cooke, said investigations were underway to better understand the progression of the virus in wildlife.

'This event is consistent with the type of wildlife impacts we have been preparing for as H5 bird flu becomes established in a bird population.'

'Sampling has taken place today, along with further aerial surveillance to determine any further impacts in other species,' Dr Cooke said.

Victoria's Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd said the findings were consistent with what was recently reported in South Australia.

'Based on overseas experience, H5 bird flu can cause significant illness and death in wild bird populations once it becomes established.'

'We recognise that seeing sick or dead wild birds is distressing, particularly in communities with a strong connection to the coast and local wildlife.'

'Community reports are important for our surveillance teams to understand what is occurring on the ground, and we thank everyone who has taken the time to make a report,' Mr Todd said.

Members of the public are reminded not to touch sick or dead birds or wildlife, or their surrounding environment.

Anyone who finds sick or dead wild birds or wildlife should record the location and, if it is safe to do so, take photos before reporting it through the online reporting form or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information, visit H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu).

Media contact: sboc.media@agriculture.vic.gov.au