H5 bird flu is in Victoria
H5N1 avian influenza, also known as H5 bird flu, has been detected in wild birds in Victoria. H5 bird flu is a disease that mainly affects birds and wildlife. The risk to human health remains low, but people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) leading the response to H5 bird flu in Victoria. As information can change quickly, we recommend visit the Agriculture Victoria H5 bird flu website for the latest updates, maps and advice.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife
- Avoid contact.
- Record the exact location and what you observed.
- Report it by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or via the online form.
Please report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species anywhere in Victoria.
Please report any single sick or dead:
- Wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey.
- Marine mammal (such as a seal or dolphin).
Community reports help authorities assess risks and respond quickly to potential disease outbreaks.
To see wildlife cases reported in Victoria and where H5 bird flu has been detected, view the interactive map.
When to report to Council
If the birds are on Council land, the advice from DEECA is to leave them to decompose. However, if the birds are located in an area that may affect community use, such as a sportsground, playground, dog off leash park or walking track, please report it to Council by calling 8571 1000 or through the Snap Send Solve app, or our website.
Council will assess the situation in line with DEECA’s current advice. We will respond to these situations seven days a week, between 7am and 6pm.
If you see injured birds or wildlife
We know people care deeply about wildlife and want to help when they see an animal in distress. Please avoid contact and report the injured bird or wildlife to Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300 or via the online form.
We understand this may be concerning for some residents and thank our community for helping protect Victoria’s wildlife. Council will provide updates as further information becomes available.
For the latest updates and information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information current as of 5 October 2026
What is H5 bird flu?
H5 bird flu is a serious, highly contagious strain of bird flu that has been circulating globally. It mainly affects birds but can also infect other animals. Overseas, the H5 strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.
What is the risk to people?
The current risk is low. Bird flu rarely spreads to people as transmission usually requires close contact with infected birds, other infected animals or contaminated environments. Spread between people is also very rare.
What are the signs of H5 bird flu?
Infected animals might look very sick or show no signs at all. Birds can sometimes die suddenly without warning. For wild birds, signs may include difficulty standing, walking or flying, breathing problems, unusual head or neck posture, or sudden death. If you are unsure, avoid contact and report sick or dead birds or other animals.
How does H5 bird flu spread?
Infected birds can spread the virus through body fluids, droppings and feathers. The virus can also spread through the air or on contaminated clothing, shoes, animals, vehicles, equipment and water.
For more information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
Who will remove the dead birds on other public land (non Council land)?
Avoid contact, Record location, Report by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or online. You can report it through Snap Send Solve and your report will be sent to the relevant land manager. (eg. Melbourne Water, DEECA, Parks Victoria, etc).
If a dead bird needs to be removed
In some circumstances, such as on private property, it may be necessary to remove a dead bird.
If you choose to do this, take simple precautions to protect yourself:
- Avoid touching the bird with bare hands
- Wear gloves, a mask, eye protection and long sleeves
- Use a shovel, tongs or a plastic bag to pick up the bird
- Place the bird in two sealed bags
- Dispose of it in your general household waste bin (red lid bin)
- Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
- Clean any clothing, footwear or equipment used during handling
For more information about managing dead birds or wildlife on your property, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
What can I do to protect my pet birds and backyard poultry?
Keep watch for signs of bird flu and protect your birds by:
- keeping equipment and enclosures clean
- preventing contact between your birds and wild birds
- keeping food and water clean
- practicing good hygiene
- limiting visitor access
- quarantining new birds
For more information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
Should I be worried about my pets?
H5 bird flu mainly affects birds. Cats and dogs can sometimes get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To reduce the risk, keep pets away from sick or dead birds and other wildlife. Keep dogs on a leash, especially near wildlife, and keep cats confined to your property. This also helps protect our wildlife from our pet cats and dogs.
For more information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
