Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is reporting H5 bird flu has been detected in a single wild bird at Mildura.
This case is in addition to known locations in south-west Victoria, the Great Ocean Road region, Gippsland and Melbourne’s south-east.
Residents along the Murray River and throughout the region are encouraged to be aware and:
AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment.
RECORD what you see, including:
• location
• species
• how many
REPORT online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Report clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
Report even one sick or dead:
• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).
DEECA says they will assess each report and decide if testing and sampling are needed based on location and species type.
They say community reports are important and help their surveillance teams understand what is occurring on the ground.
They are thanking everyone who continues to report sick or dead wildlife, and say early detection remains one of their most important tools.
Further details at https://www.deeca.vic.gov.au/
