1308/2026

Bird Flu: Watch, Record, Report

The sanctuary remains a safe place to enjoy nature, and every visitor can play a part in protecting wildlife
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral disease that primarily affects wild birds and poultry. The H5N1 strain currently being detected in Australia can spread easily between birds and has been found in a range of wild bird species and some mammals. While bird flu can occasionally infect people, this is rare, and health authorities continue to advise that the risk to the general public remains low. The most important thing members of the community can do is avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report any unusual observations to the appropriate authorities

There are now 43 confirmed H5 bird flu detections in Victoria, including detections in magpies, however the virus remains primarily associated with coastal areas and the risk to the general public remains low. The sanctuary continues to be a safe place to enjoy nature and observe wildlife. Our staff are remaining vigilant for any signs of illness in resident wildlife, and visitors can help minimise risk by staying on designated paths, avoiding disturbance to wildlife, using the boot cleaning station when entering the sanctuary, not feeding animals, and alerting staff to any suspected sick, injured, or dead wildlife.

Here’s how you can support the nationwide surveillance effort and keep yourself safe:

AVOID 🚫

  • Do not touch, move, or handle sick or dead birds or wildlife.
  • Keep pets and other animals away from the area.

RECORD 📝

If it is safe to do so:

  • Take photographs or video.
  • Record the location.
  • Record the date and time.
  • Note what you have observed, including the number and species of animals affected if known.

REPORT 📞

In the Wildlife Sanctuary - Follow the steps above and report any sick or dead wildlife to NTWS staff in person in the nursery or via wildlife@latrobe.edu.au

Anywhere else - Report observations of a sick or dead seabird, shorebird, waterbird, bird of prey or marine mammal (eg. seal, dolphin) OR 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (24 hours) - 1800 675 888

For more information on bird flu visit - www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu

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