H5 Bird Flu

While the disease has not been detected in Victoria, it’s a timely reminder to stay aware. Help support early detection, assessment and response to H5N1 bird flu — if you see something unusual, don’t ignore it.

It’s common to find dead migratory birds like shearwaters on our coastal beaches each year. Reporting will be key to the early detection of H5N1 bird flu in Victoria.

What to do if you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife:

AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
RECORD what you see
REPORT wildlife sickness or deaths to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below.

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, sea lion, dolphin).

Following a report, DEECA will assess each report and decide if testing is needed.

We understand this may be distressing, but every report is useful. Thank you for helping protect Victoria’s wildlife.

For the latest updates and more information, visit birdflu.gov.au or agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu