H5 bird flu - what you need to know

The H5N1 strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has been detected in vagrant migratory seabirds in southern Western Australia and South Australia.

At this stage, there is no evidence that the virus has spread beyond these birds, and it is too early to say whether H5 bird flu is established in Australian wildlife.

This is a significant development as it is the first time this strain of bird flu has been detected in Australia. It is a highly contagious strain that can cause serious disease and high mortality in birds and some other wild animals. 

There are currently no detections in Victoria and no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or spread to other animals. There has been no detection in poultry, and Australia’s status as free from HPAI in poultry is unchanged under international standards.

This strain of bird flu is different from the H7 strains that were detected on Victorian poultry farms in 2024 and 2025.

The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low. Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly. 

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What you can do

Report dead seabirds and wildlife

It is normal for there to be dead seabirds during migration periods. They may also have H5 bird flu.

What to do if you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife with signs of H5 bird flu:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
• RECORD what you see
• REPORT to DEECA using the QR code or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below.

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one sick or dead:

• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey.
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

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For poultry

If you suspect avian influenza in poultry, please call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

For bird and wildlife:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
• RECORD what you see
• REPORT wildlife sickness or deaths to DEECA using this form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below.

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one:

• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey.
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

We understand this may be distressing, but every report is useful. We thank the community for helping protect Victoria’s wildlife.