Looking after your wellbeing during H5 bird flu

23 October 2026

H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. The risk to the general public remains low. Bird flu rarely spreads to humans.

Many Victorians care deeply about wildlife and may feel upset when they see sick or dead birds or hear reports of the continued impact of bird flu.

Victorians are being encouraged to look after their mental health and wellbeing and seek support if they feel worried or distressed by seeing sick or dead birds in the environment.People can support their wellbeing by:

• getting information from trusted sources
• limiting repeated exposure to distressing news coverage
• talking with family, friends or colleagues about any concerns
• seeking support early, if they are feeling overwhelmed, from their GP or by getting free support from a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in their area.

Spending time outdoors and connecting with community can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. People do not need to avoid parks, beaches, schools, workplaces or other public spaces simply because birds are present.

There is no significant risk to public health from simply being near birds. Walking past a sick or dead bird, or bird droppings, without touching them does not put people at risk. The best way to reduce your risk is to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife. Keep pets away from wildlife, clean footwear and equipment after visiting parks, reserves or farms.

If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, Avoid, Record and Report. Report via the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Report clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria. Report even one sick or dead wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey (e.g. eagles, hawks), or marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

To keep up to date with Victoria's response to H5 bird flu, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

Quote attributable to Victoria's Chief Health Officer, Dr Caroline McElnay

"We understand that people may feel concerned when they see sick or dead birds and hear reports about bird flu in wildlife. While the current risk to the public remains low, it is important to look after your wellbeing and seek support if you need it."

"Most people are not at risk of bird flu. You do not need to avoid parks, beaches, schools, workplaces or other public spaces simply because birds are present."

"Getting information from trusted sources, limiting exposure to distressing content and staying connected with family, friends and your community can all help support your wellbeing."

Quote attributable to Victoria's Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd

"H5 bird flu is now present in wild birds in Victoria and, unlike disease outbreaks in domestic animals, it cannot be controlled or eliminated in wildlife populations."

"We recognise that this situation is challenging for communities, particularly people who care deeply about Victoria's wildlife and natural environment."

While we can't remove the virus from wild bird populations, we can continue to monitor its spread, respond to reports of sick and dead wildlife, and provide clear and timely information to Victorians."

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