Bird Flu Detected In Victoria

Victoria has recorded its first detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain, with authorities urging the public to avoid sick or dead wildlife and report any suspected cases immediately.

Preliminary testing identified the virus in a single greater crested tern found in Portland, with further genetic testing underway at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong to formally confirm the result.

The detection follows confirmed cases in wild seabirds across Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Authorities say the virus is now considered established in Australian wildlife and is no longer technically feasible to eradicate.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the state has activated its State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan following weeks of preparation.

“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,” Dr Cooke said.

Health authorities say the risk to people remains very low. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Caroline McElnay said human infections are rare and generally occur through close contact with infected birds, their droppings or contaminated environments.

(Black swans are among the native species under threat)

Locals Urged to Report Suspected Cases

Residents are being urged not to touch sick or dead birds or other wildlife.

Instead, record the location, take photos or videos if it is safe to do so and report the sighting to Agriculture Victoria online or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Authorities are asking Victorians to report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds anywhere in the state, as well as any single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal such as a seal, sea lion or dolphin.

Farmers and backyard poultry owners are also being urged to strengthen biosecurity by keeping sheds and equipment clean, quarantining new birds, limiting contact between poultry and wild birds and washing hands before and after handling birds or eggs.

Authorities stressed eggs, poultry and game meat remain safe to eat when properly handled and cooked according to standard food safety practices.

Signs of infection in birds can include sudden death, lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles, twisted necks, difficulty standing or flying, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, coughing, sneezing and swelling around the head or eyes.