H5N1 Bird Flu Update - 31 July 2026

Published on 05 August 2026

H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in Victoria.

The disease was confirmed in a single greater crested tern at Portland, southwest Victoria on 30 July 2026.  There is also a further suspected case, another greater crested tern, also at Portland.  Samples of the second bird are undergoing confirmation testing.

Cases of H5N1 bird flu, also known as H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, have previously been confirmed in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales.

There are no detections in poultry in Australia and no signs of mass wildlife deaths.

There are currently no movement restrictions in place for poultry birds in Victoria.

Overseas, this strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and other wildlife.  Human cases are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people.

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 handles and cooked correctly.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), is the lead agency and will focus on limiting the impacts, where possible, to our most threatened species, supporting farmers and reducing the risk to domestic and commercial poultry.

Reporting Suspected Cases

If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife with signs of H5 bird flu:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment;
• RECORD what you see;
• REPORT to DEECA via the online form - Bird Flu Investigation Form or phone the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline #1800 675 888.

Report clusters (5 or more) of 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 (e.g. eagle, hawk),
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

To report sick or dead livestock, commercial poultry or pet birds, please call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline immediately #1800 675 888.

 Be Alert for Signs of Bird Flue in Birds

Signs of sickness in birds include:

• sudden death
• lack of coordination, tremors
• swimming in circles
• twisted necks or other unusual posture
• inability to stand or fly
• diarrhoea
• difficulty breathing
• coughing or sneezing
• swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes

Infected poultry may have a rapid drop in feed and water intake and egg production.

Early detection is essential to reduce the potential impact of this disease.

Infected animals become ill quickly and can die from the effects of the virus within hours or days.

Although any bird species can become infected, bird groups associated with water are known to be highly susceptible.  This includes: shorebirds; waders such as ibis; waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans; and sea birds such as terns and penguins.

Species living or breeding in large colonies are also particularly susceptible.

Predatory birds, predatory mammals and scavenger mammals are also at risk due to eating infected animals.

Poultry Owners

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.