H5 Bird Flu: Avoid, record, report

Published on 21 August 2026

H5 Bird Flu (H5N1) is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects birds and other animals. The Victorian Government, through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), is leading the state’s response. Council will support local response activities and keep our community informed as advice changes.

The risk to the general public remains low. There is currently no need for residents to change their usual day-to-day activities. However, residents are encouraged to remain aware of official advice and take care around sick or dead birds and other wildlife.

What you can do

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them.

Avoid contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment.

Record what you see and where you saw it. Accurate location information helps DEECA assess reports.

Report it to DEECA using the online reporting form or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Report:

• 5 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, sea lion or dolphin.

Your report helps us to understand the spread of H5 bird flu across the state. Accurate reports help us respond quickly where necessary.

We understand that seeing sick or dead wildlife can be distressing, but every report is useful.

We thank the community for helping to protect Victoria’s wildlife.

For the latest updates and further information, view the Victorian Government's H5 bird flu information.