H5N1 Avian Influenza, or bird flu, has been detected for the first time in Australia and Victoria as of June 2026.
DEECA is leading the Victoria-wide response to H5N1, with other departments such as Agriculture Victoria and Health Victoria, and local councils working closely to support our wildlife, poultry industry and health systems. Frankston City Council is receiving regular updates from DEECA who are providing advice and guidelines for best practise in managing this outbreak in the safest and most humane way possible.
While there is no need for alarm, we encourage residents and visitors to stay informed and aware of official advice from DEECA. It is important to note that the risk to public health remains low, with no major adjustments to daily life for residents currently being recommended.
Current status
For the most up to date information on detections, species and localities please see:
Community reports play an important role in Victoria's early detection of H5N1 and helps support the preparedness of our biosecurity systems.
What to do if you find a suspected case
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife:
- Do not touch, handle or move them.
- Keep children and pets away from the area.
- Avoid contact with bird droppings and contaminated environments.
- Record the location and the number of animals affected.
- Make what you've found via one of the methods outlined below.
How to make a report
Importantly, 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.
- REPORT it to DEECA via the:
Online Form
or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline
1800 675 888
What findings should I report?
Please report:
- clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species
- a single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- a single sick or dead marine mammal, such as a seal or dolphin.
- any number of sick or dead poultry or livestock -> call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately!
This applies to any location in Victoria.
What information should I include in the report?
Make sure to include:
- Accurate location information such as location name or address and a description of your surroundings or closest address.
- Relevant observations of the state of the animal, identifying features etc.
Following a report, DEECA will assess each report and decide if testing is needed.
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.
Cases of H5N1 are extremely rare and generally occur in those who have close contact with infected animals, such as livestock. Bird flu also does not easily spread between people.
Managing deceased and sick wildlife
Leave dead wildlife where it is
In most situations, dead wildlife can be left where it is found to decompose naturally.
While it can be distressing to see dead birds or wildlife, leaving them undisturbed is often the best option. This helps minimise disturbance to surviving animals and supports natural processes within local ecosystems.
If you see sick or dead wildlife, please avoid contact, keep pets away from the area and report what you have observed.
Why affected birds are usually left undisturbed
Government veterinarians do not routinely euthanise sick wild birds.
This approach recognises that some birds may recover from infection and contribute to the long-term recovery of bird populations. Limiting unnecessary interaction with affected wildlife also helps reduce disturbance to bird colonies and lowers the risk of birds moving to new locations.
In some situations, private veterinarians may determine that euthanasia is appropriate based on the condition of an individual animal. These decisions are made carefully and on a case-by-case basis.
Members of the public and community groups should not attempt to euthanise sick birds. Native wildlife, including wild birds, is protected under Victorian law.
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If a dead bird needs to be removed
In some circumstances, such as on private property or in areas used regularly by people, it may be necessary to remove a dead bird.
If you choose to do this, take simple precautions to protect yourself:
- avoid touching the bird with bare hands
- wear gloves, a mask, eye protection and long sleeves
- use a shovel, tongs or a plastic bag to pick up the bird
- place the bird in 2 sealed bags
- dispose of it in your general household waste bin (red lid bin)
- wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
- clean any clothing, footwear or equipment used during handling.
For more information about managing dead birds or wildlife on your property, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
If you see a sick bird
If you come across a sick bird, the best approach is to avoid contact, record what you see and report it.
Although many people want to help wildlife in distress, reducing human interaction with sick birds helps minimise stress on the animal and reduces the risk of disease spread.
For further information about H5N1 bird flu and risk to human health, visit:
Chief Health Officer advice: Health Victoria website - Avian influenza found in birds in Victoria
Better Health Channel website - Better Health Channel – bird flu
Wellbeing
If you feel overwhelmed or distressed, it is important to ask for help. You can seek help by:
- talking to your general practitioner (GP),
- contacting your local Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub,
- contacting your mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor or social worker.
- In an emergency where there is immediate risk of harm to a person, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Dogs and Cats
It is recommended that you take precautions when walking your dog(s) or allowing your pets outdoor access including:
- Keeping dogs on leads when walking. Leads may also be recommended in designated free roam areas if there is a perceived risk of exposure.
- Keeping cats indoors, or outdoors in effective cat enclosures.
- Keeping your pets away from sick or deceased birds or other animals, especially in coastal locations.
- Keeping your pets away from areas where birds congregate (such as water bodies) and areas where there are large amounts of bird droppings.
For information on the management and advice for backyard poultry and the poultry industry, please see the below website: