H5 Bird Flu Threat Prompts Western Port Wildlife Warning

Victorian Government advice explaining how to report sick or dead birds and marine mammals amid the H5 bird flu threat. — Residents are urged to avoid, record and report sick or dead wildlife as authorities monitor H5 bird flu in Victoria.

Residents are being urged to watch for sick or dead wildlife as the threat of H5 bird flu in Western Port grows.

Australia confirmed its first case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain in Western Australia in June. The virus has since reached Victoria, where the Australian Government had recorded 53 detections in wild birds as of 10 August.

The Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation said no infections had been recorded within the Western Port Biosphere. However, the organisation warned that H5 bird flu could threaten local wildlife, tourism and the poultry industry if it reaches the region.

Western Port Biosphere chief executive officer Mel Barker said public vigilance would help authorities respond quickly and limit the virus’s impact.

“We may not be able to prevent the arrival of bird flu on the Mornington Peninsula and around Western Port, but staying alert and reporting sick or dead birds or marine mammals can help limit its impact,” Barker said.

“The implications for our region are not only the potential devastation of wildlife populations, but also economic. Bird flu puts our iconic Phillip Island fairy penguins and associated tourism at risk and our substantial poultry industry.”

Western Port Birds Face H5 Bird Flu Risk

An Australian Government assessment, released on 4 August, found hundreds of native bird and mammal species faced a high to extreme risk from H5 bird flu.

Several threatened species found around Western Port received elevated risk ratings:

Eastern curlew: high risk and critically endangered
Curlew sandpiper: high risk and critically endangered
Australasian bittern: high risk and endangered
Australian fairy tern: very high risk and vulnerable
Hooded plover: high risk and vulnerable

The assessment considered habitat, diet, group size, movement, reproductive rates and the virus’s impact on similar species overseas.

Meanwhile, poultry farmers have taken steps to reduce contact between domestic and wild birds.

The Australian Government’s latest national update states that authorities have not detected the virus in poultry or the wider agricultural industry.

How To Report Sick Or Dead Wildlife

People should not touch, move or approach sick or dead wildlife. They should also keep pets away from affected animals and their surroundings.

Anyone who finds sick or dead wildlife should:

Avoid contact with the animal and its environment.
Record the location, number and species of animals. Take photographs or video where possible without approaching them.
Report the sighting through Victoria’s online wildlife reporting form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Victorians should report groups of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species.

However, authorities also want reports involving even one sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal. This includes seals, sea lions and dolphins.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will assess each report and decide whether the case requires testing or further investigation.