New cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in two fur seals in Victoria following ongoing surveillance activities and reports from the community.
One deceased Long-nosed fur seal was identified on Gabo Island on the eastern Victorian coast through community reports last week. Specialist veterinarians were deployed to the island to assess the animal and collect samples, which later confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu.
An Australian fur seal was also identified on Rye Back Beach on the Mornington Peninsula following community reports.
The detections were identified through Victoria’s surveillance program, which combines targeted monitoring with reports from community members along the state’s coastline.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is continuing surveillance and response activities in partnership with wildlife health experts, Parks Victoria and other agencies to better understand the spread of the virus in wildlife populations.
Members of the public are reminded to stay at least 30 metres away from marine mammals that appear unwell and keep children and pets well clear.
People should not touch, handle or attempt to move sick, injured or dead animals. They should also avoid disturbing groups of seals resting on beaches or rocks.
