H5N1 avian influenza strain detected in Victoria

The high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) has been detected in Victoria.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said this detection is a result of Australia’s response to H5 bird flu, with the Victorian Government undertaking surveillance for the disease and working closely with the Commonwealth, interstate jurisdictions and industry partners.

‘Preliminary testing has indicated H5 bird flu in a single greater crested tern found in Portland. Further genetic testing is underway at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong to formally confirm this result.’ Dr Cooke said.

‘This follows confirmation of the disease in seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, and the national decision that H5 bird flu is no longer technically feasible to eradicate in wildlife.’

‘Following weeks of enhanced readiness, we have now enacted Victoria’s State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan. Based on international experience, this H5 variant differs from previous strains and has been known to cause large numbers of deaths in wild birds and some mammals.’

‘Our plans aim to limit impacts where possible particularly on our most threatened species, while also supporting our farmers and reducing risk to domestic and commercial poultry.

‘We need 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
• REPORT it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
• RECORD what you see and where you saw it.

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).

After receiving a report, DEECA will assess each report and decide if testing is needed.

‘This applies at the coast, in parks and nature, at home, on farms and by water.’

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Caroline McElnay said the risk to people remains very low, with rare cases of infection occurring through close contact with infected birds, their droppings or contaminated environments.

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.’

Dr Cooke also called for farmers and backyard poultry owners to review their biosecurity practices to protect their birds from disease.

‘Poultry owners can help protect their birds by keeping sheds, yards and equipment clean, quarantining new birds and limiting contact between poultry and wild birds.’

‘Always make sure your footwear is clean and wash your hands before and after handling your birds or eggs.

‘If you find sick or dead wild birds, don’t touch them or try to collect them as this can risk more disease spread. Instead, record what you see, the location and take photos or videos, and report,’ Dr Cooke said.

Eggs, poultry and game meat are safe to eat when properly handled and cooked according to standard food safety practices.

Death is the most important sign to be aware of in birds and mammals.

Other signs of  H5 in birds include:

• sudden death
• lack of coordination
• tremors
• swimming in circles
• twisted necks or unusual posture
• inability to stand or fly
• diarrhoea
• difficulty breathing
• coughing or sneezing
• swelling around the head, neck or eyes
• cloudy eyes or changes in eye colour.

All reports should be made via the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888