Did You Know - Avian Influenza - July 2026

Current Situation:

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 highly contagious strain that can cause serious disease and high mortality in birds and some other 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 to 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. 

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), as the lead agency, has established an Incident Management Team (IMT) to coordinate Victoria’s preparedness and response. 

Preparedness is well-advanced in support of early detection, assessment and response.  If you see something unusual, don’t ignore it. 

What Can You Do?

For Poultry:

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

For Birds & 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 the Online Form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on #1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below.