The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has been working with GMW and other Victorian agencies over the past two years to prepare for the arrival of the H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus (a strain of the 'bird flu') in Australia.
H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus (bird flu) has now been detected in Australia. This is the first detection of this strain in the country.
What is H5N1?
H5N1 is different from previous bird flu strains. It can cause large numbers of deaths in both agricultural poultry and wild birds, and has also affected some mammals such as seals, dolphins and scavenger species.
There is no effective treatment, and affected animals are unlikely to recover.
While it does not usually infect people, rare human cases have been reported overseas.
Monitoring for H5N1
People are asked to be alert to signs of H5N1 in birds in our parks, waterways, and public lands. Monitoring plays a crucial part in early detection of the virus.
Signs of sickness to look for
- Sudden death
- Lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
- Twisted necks or other unusual posture
- Inability to stand or fly
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
- Swelling around the head, neck and eyes
- Cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes.
Protect yourself and other wildlife
If you encounter any sick or dead birds, do not touch or move them. Handling infected birds can spread the virus, posing a risk to both you and other wildlife.
Reporting suspected cases
You should immediately report any sightings of sick or dead birds to DEECA by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or using the online form.
This includes:
- Five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species
- One sick or dead wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
You will need to include details such as the location, GPS coordinates, photos of the birds and their surroundings, and notes on any unusual bird behaviour.
Further information
For more information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.