Surveillance activities continue across Victoria following the detection of H5 bird flu in wild birds along the state’s south west coastline.
Preliminary testing at Victoria’s state lab, AgriBio, has identified 33 further suspect cases of H5 bird flu, including 30 greater crested terns, one gull, one inconclusive magpie and one unidentified bird. Samples are now undergoing further confirmatory testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
The 33 suspect cases are in addition to the 7 already confirmed cases in Victoria.
These suspect cases are the result of community reports and aerial and on-ground surveillance along the south west coast that took place over the weekend.
The growing cases indicate that H5 bird flu is present in the crested tern population in the region, and the community can expect to see an increase in the number of sick or dead terns in the coming weeks.
We recognise that the community cares deeply about Victoria’s wildlife. Investigations continue to better understand the progression of the virus and any impacts on other wildlife species, supported by ongoing sampling and surveillance activities.
DEECA is committed to working with wildlife managers, industries and local communities as the situation continues to evolve.
DEECA will host a H5 bird flu community information session this evening Wednesday 5 August at 7 pm at the Portland Civic Hall as an opportunity to hear from biosecurity and wildlife experts on the current situation.
Members of the public are reminded not to touch sick or dead birds and other wildlife or the immediate environment where they are located.
Anyone who finds sick or dead wild birds or wildlife should record the location and, where it is safe to do so, take photographs before reporting the sighting through the online reporting form
