New H5 bird flu cases detected in fur seals

22 September 2026

New cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in two fur seals in Victoria following ongoing surveillance activities and reports from the community.

One deceased Long-nosed fur seal was identified on Gabo Island on the eastern Victorian coast through community reports last week. Specialist veterinarians were deployed to the island to assess the animal and collect samples, which later confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu.

An Australian fur seal was also identified on Rye Back Beach on the Mornington Peninsula following community reports.

The detections were identified through Victoria's surveillance program, which combines targeted monitoring with reports from community members along the state's coastline.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is continuing surveillance and response activities in partnership with wildlife health experts, Parks Victoria and other agencies to better understand the spread of the virus in wildlife populations.

Members of the public are reminded to stay at least 30 metres away from marine mammals that appear unwell and keep children and pets well clear.

People should not touch, handle or attempt to move sick, injured or dead animals. They should also avoid disturbing groups of seals resting on beaches or rocks.

Anyone who sees sick or dead wildlife should report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or via the online form on the Agriculture Victoria website.

People can view the latest information about detections and surveillance findings on the Agriculture Victoria website, including a map showing confirmed cases in Victoria, at H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu).

Quotes attributable to Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd

‘While H5 bird flu cannot be controlled in wildlife populations, these detections are concerning and we recognise that seeing affected wildlife can be upsetting for local communities, visitors and those who care deeply about Victoria's marine and coastal environments.’

‘Timely reports from the public are helping our teams respond quickly, investigate cases and build a clearer understanding of where the virus is present.’

‘We encourage people to use the Agriculture Victoria website to stay up to date on confirmed detections and learn where cases have been identified across Victoria.’

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