13/08/2026
DEECA confirmed on 12 August that H5 bird flu has been detected in a wild bird on the Mornington Peninsula, along with two at Phillip Island. The disease is spreading beyond the state’s south-west.
On Whitecliffs managed beaches and reserves, we are now marking locations where dead birds have been found and reported. If you see a marked stake on the beach, keep clear of it and keep moving.
What we’re asking of everyone using the reserve:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and the area around them. Do not touch them, do not move them and please don’t bring to the foreshore office.
- Keep dogs on lead. A dog will reach a carcass before you can stop it, and can carry the virus on its coat and paws.
- Record what you see: location, species, how many.
- Report it to call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or online at https://forms.bio.vic.gov.au/wildlife-influenza-investigation
Report any cluster of five or more sick or dead birds of any species. Report even a single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey, or marine mammal such as a seal or dolphin. DEECA assesses every report and decides whether testing is needed.
There have been no detections in poultry, livestock or little penguins. Human infections are rare and come from close contact with infected birds, so keeping your distance is the whole strategy.
Backyard chook owners: a poultry housing requirement is now in place for flocks of 50 or more birds across coastal and southern Victorian shires, including ours.
Our staff are monitoring the reserve and following the latest advice from Agvic and DEECA. The situation and approach is likely to change and we will keep you updated as best we can.
