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An animated image of a character waving with a signboard saying "I'm Aggie, the biosecurity quest mascot"

Get involved in citizen science

Citizen science is a great way to get involved, and you don’t need a science background or technical know-how to take part.

On this page you will find information about current citizen science projects and activities, and other resources to help you to get involved.

The Great Biosecurity Quest and Aussie Bird Count

Aggie is joining the Aussie Bird Count to help protect our wildlife, and you can join in too!

The Aussie Bird Count runs from 20 to 26 October. Register at 2025 Aussie Bird Count before 20 October so you can be ready to join in.

Specifically, H5 bird flu can be very damaging to our environment and agriculture industries, and to our wildlife.

Cartoon image of a bird on a tree branch next to Aggie, the biosecurity mascot.What is H5 bird flu?

H5 bird flu is a disease that impacts poultry and other domestic animals and can also be very damaging to our native wildlife.

Is H5 bird flu in Australia? 

Although H5 bird flu is present in many different parts of the world, it is not currently found in Australia.

Why do we need to keep an eye out for H5 bird flu?

H5 bird flu is mainly spread across long distances through migrating birds. Spring is the highest risk time, as many migratory birds move to Australia at this time.

What can I do to help?

Blue image of a stylised cartoon pigeon, featuring the words, 'Aussie Bird Count' and '20–26 October 2025', along with the logotype of Birdlife Australia.Learning more about our wildlife and what native animals and plants need to stay healthy is a big help.

By joining the Aussie Bird Count this year, you can learn about different birds while adding to our information and data about wild bird populations. This data helps experts to monitor our wildlife and keep an eye out for H5 bird flu.

How can I join the Aussie Bird Count?

Join us as a Watchout Warrior with Aggie and join the Aussie Bird Count here – register now  and download the app, ready for the counting to start on 20 October

And remember to keep an eye out for sick or dead birds or wildlife during spring. If you see a sick or dead penguin, pelican, black swan, bird of prey or marine mammal OR if you see 5 or more dead birds of any species in one spot, please report it by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or through Biosecurity Victoria’s Emergency Animal Disease reporting portal.

Image of the Great Biosecurity Quest logo with a green background.

Biosecurity is all about protecting what we value most by preventing and managing harm caused by pests and diseases. ​One way you can get involved is by joining the Great Biosecurity Quest.

Visit the Biosecurity Quest webpage to find out more.

Join the Quest

Other ways to get involved

Make a biosecurity report

Getting involved helps you to learn about biosecurity threats, so you know what to report and how to report it if you ever come across one.

If you need to make a biosecurity report you can do so through our website or the emergency pest and disease hotlines.

Make a biosecurity report

We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal Owners of Country throughout Victoria, their ongoing connection to this land and we pay our respects to their culture and their Elders past, present and future.