Shearwaters set to arrive in Victoria

1 October 2026

Victorians are reminded that Shearwaters are about to begin arriving in Victoria, migrating from the Northern hemisphere.

Shearwaters travel more than 15,000 km to Australia each year to breed in spring and summer, one of the world’s longest bird migrations.

Some exhausted birds do not survive the journey and may be found on Victorian beaches.

DEECA wants to remind Victorians that if they see sick or dead Shearwaters to leave them in place and report their findings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline or via the online reporting form.

Our on-ground and aerial surveillance continues across the state, and we are working with experts to inform surveillance of at-risk areas, particularly as we move into the spring breeding season for many waterbirds, including the arrival of migratory species.

As H5 bird flu becomes established in wild bird populations in Victoria, our response activities continue to focus on surveillance, public safety and protecting high-risk species.

For the latest information about H5 bird flu, visit H5N1 avian influenza.

For birds and wildlife:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment. This helps to avoid disease spread by people.

• RECORD what you see, and
• REPORT wildlife sickness or deaths to DEECA using the online form on the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Quotes attributable to Director of Wildlife and Landscape Protection, Eve Graham

"It is normal at this time of year to see Shearwaters washed up on Victorian beaches; this does not automatically indicate H5 bird flu.”

“Your reports help wildlife and animal health experts monitor and respond to potential disease risks.”

“Community reports remain important in helping us to understand the impact of bird flu on Victorian wildlife.”

“Year-round surveillance for avian influenza viruses in wild birds is part of the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Program which is coordinated by Wildlife Health Australia.”

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