H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu)

H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as H5 bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious illness and death in birds and some other animals.

H5 bird flu is currently present in wild birds in Victoria. Agriculture Victoria is monitoring the situation and providing the latest advice on detections, reporting requirements and measures to reduce the risk of spread. H5 bird flu has not been detected in poultry in Victoria.

The situation can change as surveillance and testing continues. For the latest information, residents should always refer to Agriculture Victoria and DEECA.

If you find a sick or dead bird or other wildlife:

• Do not touch or handle the animal.
• Keep children and pets away from the animal.
• Avoid contact with the surrounding area where possible.
• If it is safe to do so, take a photo or video from a distance.
• Note the location and the number and type of animals affected.
• Report the sighting to Agriculture Victoria if it meets the current reporting requirements.

Agriculture Victoria currently asks the community to report:

• clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria
• even one sick or dead wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
• even one sick or dead marine mammal, such as a seal or dolphin.

For sick or dead poultry or livestock, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The current risk of H5 bird flu to human health in Australia remains low. However, people should avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife.

To reduce the risk of exposure:

• Do not touch or handle sick or dead birds or wildlife.
• Keep children and pets away from sick or dead animals.
• Wash your hands after handling birds, poultry, eggs or potentially contaminated materials.
• Follow the latest advice from Agriculture Victoria and health authorities.

If you have had close contact with a sick or dead animal and subsequently become unwell, seek medical advice and tell your healthcare professional about the possible exposure.

Backyard bird baths

Backyard bird baths are an important resource to support our urban birds.

H5 bird flu can spread easily between birds when they gather in close proximity to each other or share a dirty water source. 

During the H5 bird flu outbreak, it is recommended that you empty, clean, and refill your bird bath with fresh water daily to keep our local birds safe. 

Do not feed wild birds

The virus can spread easily between birds when they gather in close proximity to each other in colonies, to roost, or to feed. 

During the H5 bird flu outbreak, it is recommended that the community do not feed wild birds as this encourages them to gather together in one location for food. 

Help protect our local birds by putting your bread and other food scraps in your green waste bin and let wild birds forage naturally. 

If you keep backyard chickens or other poultry, good biosecurity can help reduce the risk of your birds coming into contact with H5 bird flu.

You should:

• keep domestic birds separated from wild birds where practical
• keep feed and water containers clean and protected from wild birds
• clean and disinfect footwear, equipment and other items that may come into contact with birds
• avoid sharing bird-keeping equipment unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
• monitor your birds for signs of illness
• follow any current housing, movement or biosecurity requirements that apply in your area.

Important: Current poultry housing requirements apply in some Victorian local government areas. These requirements can change as the situation develops, so bird owners should check the latest Agriculture Victoria advice rather than relying on information reproduced on this Council webpage.

Information for backyard poultry owners

Visit Agriculture Victoria's information for backyard chook owners

Agriculture Victoria provides the latest information about H5 bird flu in Victoria, including current detections, reporting requirements, the interactive map and advice for the community and bird owners.

Visit Agriculture Victoria – H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu)

Useful Agriculture Victoria information

• Managing dead birds and wildlife on your land
• Information for backyard chook owners
• H5 bird flu interactive map