Bird flu arrives in Victoria
With the first case of avian influenza detected in Victoria, the public is being asked to stay vigilant and report any suspected cases.
This week, the first case of H5N1 avian influenza strain was detected in Victoria, in a bird near Portland.
A second suspected case has now been discovered, also in Portland.
The public is being asked to stay vigilant and report any suspected cases.
“We need Victorians to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, record what they see and report it. Early reporting gives us the best chance to reduce the impacts of the disease,” Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said.
• AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment
• RECORD what you see and where you saw it.
• REPORT it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Dr Cooke encouraged the community to report clusters of five 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).
After receiving a report, DEECA will assess each report and decide if testing is needed.
“This applies at the coast, in parks and nature, at home, on farms and by water.”
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Caroline McElnay said the risk to people remains very low, with rare cases of infection occurring through close contact with infected birds, their droppings or contaminated environments.
Farmers and backyard poultry owners have been urged to review their biosecurity practices to protect their birds from disease.
This includes keeping sheds, yards and equipment clean, quarantining new birds and limiting contact between poultry and wild birds.
Symptoms of avian flu
Death is the most important sign to be aware of in birds and mammals.
Other signs of H5 in birds include:
• sudden death
• lack of coordination
• tremors
• swimming in circles
• twisted necks or unusual posture
• inability to stand or fly
• diarrhoea
• difficulty breathing
• coughing or sneezing
• swelling around the head, neck or eyes
• cloudy eyes or changes in eye colour.
All reports should be made via the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.
