H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu)
H5 bird flu: current situation
Seven cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in Victoria.
The first case was confirmed in a greater crested tern at Portland on 30 July.
The confirmed cases are all in greater crested terns: five at Portland and two at Nelson Bay.
Cases of H5 bird flu, also known as H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, have previously been confirmed in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales.
There remains no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock in Australia. The risk to human health of H5 bird flu remains low. There are no movement restrictions in place for poultry or birds t in Victoria.
Overseas, this strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and other wildlife. Human cases are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people.
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Avoid direct contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline or using the form below.
For updates, visit this page regularly and follow Agriculture Victoria on Facebook.
For more information about the situation across Australia, visit Bird flu.
How to report
Report clusters of 5 or more 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
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
Accurate reports help us respond quickly.
To report sick or dead poultry, livestock or pets
Please call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline immediately on 1800 675 888.
Map
To check wildlife cases reported in Victoria and see sightings near you, view our interactive map.