Penguin infection confirmed

H5 bird flu vaccinations of Phillip Island’s little penguins will begin on Monday evening following Victoria’s first detection of the disease in a penguin.

The little penguin on Phillip Island is one of three new positive cases reported by the government, along with a crested tern from Lakes Entrance and one from Dromana.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said Agriculture Victoria and Phillip Island Nature Parks activated plans to vaccinate more than 5000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda as soon as the Federal Government authorised the use of H5N1 vaccines for priority native bird species.

"Agriculture Victoria is working closely with Phillip Island Nature Parks to support vaccination of little penguins from Monday.

"While the first detection in a little penguin is a concern, vaccination of little penguins on Phillip Island remains a meaningful way to help protect this important colony.

"Vaccination is not a guarantee against infection but remains an important tool that may help reduce the impact of H5 bird flu in this population.

"We will continue to monitor the colony closely and adapt our approach as new information becomes available," he said.

Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd said the detection at Lakes Entrance is significant because it confirms H5 bird flu in East Gippsland and shows the virus is continuing to move through wild bird populations across Victoria.

‘The Gippsland Lakes are also habitat for large numbers of seabirds, shorebirds and waterbirds at higher risk from H5 bird flu, so spread of the virus through this area is likely to have significant impacts on wildlife,’ Mr Todd said.

Community members should avoid touching sick or dead wildlife wherever possible and keep pets away from animals and carcasses. If disposal is required in an affected area, follow the advice provided and take appropriate precautions.

So far, no detections have been found in poultry or other animals.

If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, report it via the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

To keep up to date with Victoria's response to H5 bird flu, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu