H5 Bird Flu (H5N1) – Local Information

H5 bird flu (H5N1) has been detected in wild birds in Victoria. Agriculture Victoria is leading the response and monitoring. The risk to human health remains low, but poultry and bird owners should take sensible biosecurity precautions and report unusual illness or deaths promptly.

What this means locally

Yarra Ranges Shire is included in Victoria’s current H5 bird flu control area. This is a precautionary measure designed to reduce contact between poultry and wild birds while authorities monitor the situation.

Simple steps for poultry and bird owners

• Keep feed and drinking water protected from wild birds where practical.
• Keep poultry areas, feeders and drinkers clean.
• Reduce unnecessary contact between your birds and wild birds.
• Monitor your birds for sudden illness, unusual behaviour or unexpected deaths.
• Do not touch or move sick or dead wild birds.

If you find sick or dead wild birds

AVOID – RECORD – REPORT. Avoid contact, record what you see and the exact location, and report it to the Victorian authorities.

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species. Also report even one sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey.

If your poultry or captive birds are sick

Suspected avian influenza in poultry or other captive birds must be reported immediately. Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

This page is provided by Baroona Produce & Pet Supplies to help local bird owners quickly find practical guidance and the official government information. It is not a substitute for Agriculture Victoria advice.