H5 bird flu

 

What is H5 bird flu

H5 bird flu is a virus that, as its name suggests, mainly affects birds but can also affect other animals, and on rare occasions, humans.

As the control agency for managing emergency animal diseases the Victorian Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) is leading Victoria’s response to a H5 bird flu outbreak.

DEECA advises that although any bird species can become infected, bird groups associated with water are highly susceptible, including ducks, geese, gulls and pelicans.

H5 rarely spreads to humans but may occur if there is close contact with infected birds, droppings or heavily contaminated environments. For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

The current situation

15 August: H5 bird flu update from Agriculture Victoria
 
There are 74 positive cases of H5 bird flu in Victoria, including the Mildura region.

The number of positive cases shown is based on laboratory results. Not all birds will be sampled, particularly in areas where disease is already known to be present. This means the numbers do not provide a complete picture of all H5 bird flu in Victoria.

To review wildlife cases reported in Victoria and see sightings where H5 bird flu has been detected, view Agriculture Victoria's interactive map.

Disclaimer: Data gets updated nationally at different points in time, so there may be delays and inconsistencies in figures on various platforms.

Cases of H5 bird flu, also known as H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, have previously been confirmed in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales.

The risk to human health of H5 bird flu remains low.

Overseas, this strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and other wildlife. Human cases are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Avoid direct contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.

For the latest information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

 

 

What you can do

Avoid. Record. Report. is a simple way you can help. 

If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife: 

  • avoid contact
  • record the exact location and what you observed 
  • report it online or call 1800 675 888 

We know people care deeply about wildlife and want to help when they see an animal in distress. 

Injured wildlife may still need rescue and care, but if birds or wildlife appear sick, or dead, avoid contact and report it so trained responders can safely assess the situation.

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