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Responding to bird flu 

H5 bird flu is in wild birds in Victoria and has also been detected in seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. 

Bird flu is expected to be an ongoing wildlife disease that will have long-term impacts. 

It has not yet been detected in Boroondara, but we may see increased numbers of sick or dead birds in the coming weeks and are preparing for this.

Community reports play an important role in Victoria's animal disease surveillance system and support early detection. 

We understand this can be distressing, but every report helps protect Victoria's wildlife.

What you can do 

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, don’t touch them.

  • Avoid contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment. 
  • Record what you see and where you saw it. Report sick or dead birds or other wildlife to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or use Agriculture Victoria’s online form. 

Providing your contact details is helpful, in case a follow-up for more information or testing is needed. 

Good to know

  • The current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low. 
  • Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat or eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.
  • Animal disease outbreaks affect people in different ways. It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions to distressing and uncertain events. 
  • If you feel overwhelmed, please ask for help. Support is available at any time by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14. Talk to your GP or find other helplines and local services on our Counselling and mental health services page.

Where to find more information

This page includes important information we're sharing from Agriculture Victoria to help keep you informed. To find out more, visit Agriculture Victoria.