H5 Bird Flu - What you need to know

H5 bird flu (H5N1 Avian Influenza) has reached the Corangamite Shire.

For Corangamite and other affected coastal and southern Victorian shires, poultry owners with 50 or more birds must keep them housed from 9 August 2026, with the current requirement extended until at least 18 September 2026. Learn more.

Report sick or dead wildlife

Report sick or dead wildlife online

All community members need to follow the advice of Agriculture Victoria if you find a dead or sick bird:

  • AVOID touching or handling sick or dead birds or wildlife;
  • RECORD what you see, including the location and the number of birds affected;
  • REPORT clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species; and even a single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey, seal or dolphin.
  • Reports can be made via the Agriculture Victoria's wildlife reporting form or to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Sick or dead wildlife on Council-managed land

If a sick or dead bird is on Council-managed land and affecting use of a community facility, you can also report it to us via corangamite.vic.gov.au/request or by calling 5593 7100

Our staff will attend the site to make an assessment and determine if removal is required.

Further advice

We also urge you to:

  • Keep dogs on a lead and prevent them from approaching or scavenging dead birds.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after outdoor activities, particularly if there has been any contact with bird droppings.
  • Stay up to date with current advice issued by Agriculture Victoria via its website. 

Looking after yourself and each other

We understand many people are feeling deep sadness about the arrival of H5 bird flu and the impending loss of our wildlife. 

It's normal to find this news overwhelming. If you or your family are experiencing ecological grief there are a few things you can do:

  • Acknowledge the feelings - you do not have to do anything - acceptance is not giving up.
  • Report sick or dead birds to Agriculture Victoria.
  • Support local wildlife rehabilitation organisations.
  • Take breaks from social media and news channels.
  • Spend time in nature.
  • Connect with others who care about nature - join a local environmental or wildlife focused community group.

We know people care deeply about wildlife and want to help when they see an animal in distress. Injured wildlife may still need rescue and care. However, if a bird or wildlife appears sick or is found dead, avoid contact and report it so trained responders can assess the situation.

Help is always available

  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Mensline 1300 789 978
  • Family violence
    There is a link between disasters and an increase in family violence. It can happen to anyone. 1800RESPECT is available for free to support people impacted by family violence. To talk to someone, call 1800 737 732, text something like 'hello' to 0458 737 732, or chat online at 1800respect.org.au.  
  • 13YARN 
     13Yarn is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficult coping.  They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call 139 276.
  • Australian Psychological Society 
    Australian Psychological Society referral service provides online, email and phone service to people seeking the advice and assistance of a qualified and suitable Australian Psychological Society (APS) psychologist in private practice.  Call 1800 333 497 
  • Beyond Blue  Call 1300 224 636 or chat to a counsellor online. 
  • Young People 
    Kids Helpline offers free 24/7 counselling for youth (ages 5–25). They can talk about anything big or small, serious, or silly, easy, or complicated, long or short, bad or good, in the past, future or now.
    Call: 1800 55 1800 
    visit: kidshelpline.com.au 
  • Headspace
    Help when young people are feeling stressed or overwhelmed (ages 12–25).
    Call: 1800 650 890
    Chat online at: headspace.org.au 
    Visit: headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/natural-disasters 
  • South West Healthcare
    Mental Health and Wellbeing Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 808 284.
  • Ballarat Community Health
    Head to Health: 1800 595 212
    Step Thru Care: 5338 4500
  • Rural Aid
    Free, confidential counselling to farmers and their family. Go online at ruralaid.org.au or phone 1300 175 594.
  • The National Centre for Farmer Health
    Supports available on 1300 375 330 or online at farmerhealth.org.au

Signs of bird flu

Keep watch for signs of bird flu.

Wild birds

  • can’t stand, walk, or fly properly
  • droopy or puffed-up appearance
  • breathing problems (panting or sneezing)
  • unusual head or neck posture
  • sudden death (especially in large numbers)

Poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.)

The first sign of bird flu may be the sudden death of some poultry. Other signs include:

  • rapid drop in feed intake
  • sudden drop in egg production
  • typical ‘sick bird’ signs - ruffled feathers, depression, closed eyesdiarrhoea
  • birds having trouble breathing, coughing or sneezing
  • lethargy or not eating/drinking
  • swelling around the head, neck and eyes
  • discharge from the eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • twisted necks or unusual posture.

H5 bird flu should be considered if a high proportion of a flock or group of birds becomes ill very quickly – progressing from normal to severe illness or death within 24-28 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is H5 bird flu?

H5 bird flu is a serious, highly contagious strain of bird flu that has been circulating globally. It mainly affects birds but can also infect other animals. Overseas, the H5 strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.

What is the risk to people?

The Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) regularly reassesses the risk of H5 bird flu to people in Australia. The current risk is low.

Bird flu rarely spreads to people as transmission usually requires close contact with infected birds, other infected animals or contaminated environments. Spread between people is also very rare. It’s still important though to protect yourself from bird flu by following AgVic advice to avoid contact with sick and dead birds and animals.

Should I be worried about my pets?

H5 bird flu mainly affects birds. Cats and dogs can sometimes get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To reduce the risk, keep pets away from sick or dead birds and other wildlife. Keep dogs on a leash, especially near wildlife, and cats contained. This also helps protect our wildlife from our pet cats and dogs.

If you have pet birds or backyard chickens, there are simple steps you can take to help protect your bird:

  • keep equipment and enclosures clean
  • prevent contact between your birds and wild birds
  • keep food and water clean
  • practice good hygiene
  • limit visitor access
  • quarantine new birds.

I've got backyard poultry, what should I do?

Avian influenza can be a highly infectious disease that affects many bird species, including farmed and pet poultry. There are currently no poultry detections in Victoria.

AgVic have advice on what to look out for in poultry, reporting sick and dead birds and how to protect your flock

What happens when I make a report?

Reports to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline or online form are carefully assessed according to risk of H5 bird flu. This may lead to a site visit and sampling.

Not every report will result in bird collection or testing, and you may only be contacted if more information is required. Your report is still valuable, as it helps state and territory authorities monitor the situation and decide whether further investigation is needed.

Will Council attend and remove the sick or dead animal?

If an animal is located on Council-managed land and poses a clear public health risk, Council officers will assess the situation and arrange for the animal's removal.

If you encounter a sick or deceased animal on Council land, please contact us on 5593 7100 or submit a request.

Please note that Council officers cannot attend incidents on land managed by other agencies, such as GORCAPA, DEECA, Parks Victoria, or private land. If the bird or animal you are reporting is located on land managed by another agency, we will refer you to the appropriate organisation for assistance.

I want to take the sick animal to a wildlife shelter. Is that okay?

No. There is no effective treatment, you may spread the disease to other wildlife and while human infection is rare, people who have prolonged and close contact with infected wildlife face greater transmission risks. Submit a report and the animal will be assessed.

Can I remove a dead bird from my property?

Yes. If the animal is on private land it is your responsibility to dispose of the animal. 

You should avoid direct contact and wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, a mask and eye protection. The bird should be double-bagged and disposed of in a general waste (red) bin. Please check the Agriculture Victoria advice for more guidance.

I have a rainwater tank, should I be worried about contamination?

Birds on roofs or near collection areas can contaminate rainwater collection systems.

However, H5 bird flu is easily destroyed by heat and standard water disinfection methods.

If you are concerned that a dead bird has contaminated your tank water:

  • Boil the water before drinking it or using it in food preparation.
  • Inspect your roof, gutters and collection system.
  • Seek advice if you are unsure about the safety of your water.

AgVic have more guidance about rainwater tanks.

First Nations information and support

If H5 bird flu spreads in animals in Australia, First Nations communities could be affected differently to other communities. 

We acknowledge that the threat of H5 bird flu can be concerning for First Nations communities, as it may impact totems, culturally significant animals, and the health of Country.

If you’re feeling worried, talk to someone you trust, like a health worker, ranger or community leader. Looking after each other and Country is something we can do together.

13YARN (13 92 76) is a culturally safe, free and confidential support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Community members who are feeling distressed, worried or overwhelmed are encouraged to call 13 92 76 at any time, day or night.

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