Bird flu has been detected on the Mornington Peninsula, with the Victorian Government confirming H5 bird flu at St Andrews Beach.
The St Andrews Beach detection was announced on Wednesday 12 August. Authorities also recorded new detections at Phillip Island, Mildura, Warrnambool, Hamilton and Hawkesdale.
Recent Victorian cases have predominantly involved greater crested terns. However, the government has not identified the species involved in the St Andrews Beach detection.
Agriculture Victoria reported that Victoria had recorded 60 laboratory-confirmed cases of H5 bird flu as of Wednesday.
However, this figure does not show the full extent of the virus. Authorities do not test every sick or dead bird, particularly in areas where H5 bird flu is already known to be present.
Councillors Respond To Mornington Peninsula Bird Flu Detection
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have urged the community to remain informed and vigilant following the local detection.
Speaking to STPL News, Cr Kate Roper said the arrival of H5 bird flu on the Peninsula was expected because of the region’s extensive coastline and visiting bird populations.
“Unfortunately, this was inevitable. The Mornington Peninsula has 192 kilometres of coastline and many migratory species of birds,” Cr Roper said.
Cr Roper emphasised the importance of staying informed and reporting sightings of dead birds. She also reminded people not to touch sick or dead wildlife.
Cr David Gill also spoke with STPL News and stressed the importance of keeping the community informed.
“It’s really important to get the information out there,” Cr Gill said.
He called on residents and visitors to remain vigilant. Cr Gill warned that the further spread of bird flu could cause an environmental and economic catastrophe.
He also raised concerns about the risks to the Mornington Peninsula’s many hobby farms, including properties keeping chickens and other birds.
Western Port Biosphere Calls For Vigilance
The Mornington Peninsula bird flu confirmation comes one day after STPL News published a warning from Western Port Biosphere Foundation chief executive Mel Barker.
Ms Barker said public vigilance remained one of the best ways to help protect the region’s bird and mammal populations.
“Staying alert and reporting sick or dead birds or marine mammals can help limit its impact,” Ms Barker said.
She also warned that the virus could have serious consequences for the region’s wildlife and economy.
The Mornington Peninsula’s coastline, wetlands and waterways support seabirds, waterbirds and migratory species. Many of these animals are particularly vulnerable to H5 bird flu.
The virus can also infect some mammals, including seals and dolphins.
Little Penguins To Be Vaccinated
Meanwhile, the Victorian and Commonwealth governments are preparing to vaccinate more than 5,000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda.
Vaccine doses have arrived at Phillip Island. The program is expected to begin early next week, subject to final regulatory approvals.
There have been no confirmed H5 bird flu detections in little penguins in Victoria or elsewhere in Australia.
Vaccination will not stop the virus from circulating. However, authorities hope it will reduce the effects on vulnerable penguin colonies.
How To Report Sick Or Dead Wildlife
The risk to human health remains low. Nevertheless, residents and visitors should not touch or move sick or dead birds or other wildlife.
Anyone who encounters a sick or dead animal should:
- Avoid contact with the animal and the surrounding area.
- Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife.
- Record the location, species and number of affected animals.
- Take photographs or video without approaching the animal.
- Report the sighting to the relevant authorities.
People should report even one sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal.
In addition, people should report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species.
Reports can be submitted through the Agriculture Victoria wildlife reporting system or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Further information and case updates are available from Agriculture Victoria.
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