H5N1 Bird Flu Update - 15 August 2026

Published on 21 August 2026

H5N1 bird flu is in wild birds in Victoria.

Bird flu is expected to be an ongoing wildlife disease event that will have long term impacts.

Detections currently remain limited to wild birds and there are no detections in poultry or our agricultural system.

Detections indicate the bird flu is spreading across Victoria as it moves through wild bird populations.

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.

Community reports play an important role in Victoria's animal disease surveillance system and support early detection of biosecurity threats.

AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds and wildlife;

RECORD what you see;

REPORT to DEECA via the Bird Flu Investigation Form or phone the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline #1800 675 888.

To see wildlife cases reported in Victoria and where H5 bird flu has been detected, view the Bird Flu Interactive Map - Agriculture Victoria website.

For the latest information, visit the H5N1 Avian Influenza - Agriculture Victoria website.

Human Health

Prevention:

• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds/other animals, their faeces, and potentially contaminated environments.

Precautions:

• Getting your seasonal flu vaccination is strongly recommended.  It reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill if you are exposed to both seasonal flu and bird fly at the same time.
• If you have been in contact with sick or dead birds and you develop flu like symptoms, seek medical advice:
  • Tell your GP about anyy possible contact with a sick or dead bird in the past 10 days.
  • Wear a face mask and call ahead before attending your appointment so you can be seen separately from other patients if needed.

For further information about bird flu risk to human health, please visit the Bird Flu - Better Health Channel website.

Poultry Owners

Good biosecurity is one of the best ways to protect your poultry.  Review your poultry setup with these simple steps:

• Keep the poultry food and water away from wild birds.
• Keep your birds away from dams, ponds and wild bird areas.
• Use netting, roofing or fencing where practical.
• Wear clean boots and clothes when entering poultry areas.

Housing backyard birds is recommended due to the current risk, with a housing requirement for flocks of 50+ birds in southern and coastal shires.

If you notice something unusual, talk to your local vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline #1800 675 888

For information and best-practice advice for backyard poultry owners, please visit the Backyard Poultry - Agriculture Victoria website.

For information and best-practice advice for poultry producers, please visit the Poultry Producers - Agriculture Victoria website.