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H5N1 Bird Flu Community Information

H5N1 Bird Flu Community Information

H5N1 Avian Influenza Strain Detected In Victoria

The high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) has been detected in Victoria. This follows confirmation of the disease in seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

Following weeks of enhanced readiness, V ictoria’s State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan has been enacted. Based on international experience, this H5 variant differs from previous strains and has been known to cause large numbers of deaths in wild birds and some mammals.

The Response Plan aims to limit impacts where possible particularly on our most threatened species, while also supporting our farmers and reducing risk to domestic and commercial poultry.

Victorians should avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, record what they see and report it. Early reporting gives us the best chance to reduce the impacts of the disease.

AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment
RECORD what you see and where you saw it.
REPORT it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Community members are encouraged to report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even 1 sick or dead:

wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

After receiving a report, DEECA will assess each report and decide if testing is needed.This applies at the coast, in parks and nature, at home, on farms and by water.

Click on the link for the latest information H5 bird flu: current situation

Click on the link for wildlife information on how to confirm the bird species

Key messages:

H5N1 strain of avian influenza (also called H5 bird flu) has been detected in wild birds in Victoria.
H5N1 avian influenza spreads easily between birds and can spread to other mammals, but rarely from birds to humans.
The current risk of H5N1 avian influenza to people in Victoria is low. Locally acquired human infections with this strain have not been reported in Australia.
If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them. Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
Healthcare professionals should consider avian influenza H5N1 in patients who present with influenza-like illness AND who have had contact with sick or dead birds or animals (either overseas or in Australia).
Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu are like seasonal flu (fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and respiratory symptoms) and may include conjunctivitis (sore red eyes).
Avian influenza in humans is an ‘urgent’ notifiable condition in Victoria.

Vaccination
• There is no specific vaccine available for bird flu (avian influenza)
• Seasonal flu vaccination is strongly recommended for poultry workers, people who work with birds and other animals, and people travelling overseas to countries that have bird flu.
• The flu vaccine is available through select GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal health services and local councils. The vaccine is free for eligible priority groups.

Poultry Owners

Poultry owners can help protect their birds by keeping sheds, yards and equipment clean, quarantining new birds and limiting contact between poultry and wild birds.

Printable Property Biosecurity Poster - share with your staff and visitors

Come Clean, Go Clean

Come Clean, Stay Clean, Go Clean – when visiting farms.
On-farm biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, including the property owner, visitors and workers.
Come clean: planning the visit
Stay clean: entering the property
Go clean: leaving the property

Biosecurity for backyard chickens

Good biosecurity is one of the best ways to protect your chickens. With H5 bird flu in Victoria, now is a good time to review your setup. Start with these simple steps:
✅ Keep feed and water away from wild birds

✅ Keep your birds away from dams, ponds and wild bird areas

✅ Use netting, roofing or fencing where practical

✅ Wear clean boots and clothes when entering poultry areas

If you notice something unusual, talk to your local vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Read more about backyard chicken care.

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

Always make sure your footwear is clean and wash your hands before and after handling your birds or eggs.
If you find sick or dead wild birds, don’t touch them or try to collect them as this can risk more disease spread.
Instead, record what you see, the location and take photos or videos, and report.
Eggs, poultry and game meat are safe to eat when properly handled and cooked according to standard food safety practices.
Death is the most important sign to be aware of in birds and mammals.

Other signs of H5 in birds include:

sudden death
lack of coordination
tremors
swimming in circles
twisted necks or unusual posture
inability to stand or fly
diarrhoea
difficulty breathing
coughing or sneezing
swelling around the head, neck or eyes
cloudy eyes or changes in eye colour.

All reports should be made via the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.

Read the full CHO Alert: Avian influenza found in birds in Victoria | health.vic.gov.au

For further information:
• Australian CDC: https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/bird-flu-avian-influenza
• Agriculture Victoria: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu
• DEECA: https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/sick-injured-or-orphaned-wildlife/high-pathogenic-avian-influenza
• Better Health Channel (which includes translated information): https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bird-flu-avian-influenza

Social links:
Facebook: Better Health Channel
X: Victorian Department of Health