Wildlife in Sandy Point Team

31/07/2026

Agriculture Victoria is making a great point about reporting any sick birds immediately. There is now another crested tern suspected of the H5 virus in the Portland area. Please take heed of their advice and avoid contact.

Another greater crested tern at Portland is suspected to have H5 bird flu.

There is now one positive case and one suspect case in Victoria.

The second greater crested tern reported by a community member is suspected for H5 bird flu after returning a positive result at AgriBio. Samples are undergoing confirmatory testing at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the additional suspect case highlighted the importance of early reporting of sick and dead wildlife.

‘We ask Victorians to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, record what they see and report it. Early reporting gives us the best chance to reduce the impacts of the disease,’ Dr Cooke said.

✅ AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment

✅ RECORD what you see and where you saw it.

✅ REPORT it to DEECA online or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Read more: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2026-releases/further-suspect-h5-bird-flu-detection-in-victoria

30/07/2026

Not what we wanted to read. WiSP is still working on how our wildlife response volunteers will go forward. We’ll keep everyone posted.

The high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) has been detected in Victoria.

A single greater crested tern was found in Portland and was reported on 27 July 2026.

We know many Victorians care deeply about our wildlife and may be concerned about what this means for native bird populations.

If you encounter sick or dead birds or wildlife, do not touch them. Instead, record the exact location, take photos if it is safe to do so, and report it online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Early reports help wildlife and animal health experts monitor disease activity and determine where action may be needed.

Your observations can make a real difference in helping us understand and respond to impacts on Victoria's wildlife.

Find out more: 🔗 agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

20/07/2026

Join us next week on Wednesday the 22nd of July from 7:15 to 8:00pm for our fourth online webinar, A Whale of a Time. 🐋🐋🐋

With whale season well and truly underway, there's no better time to learn about the whales passing along Victoria's coastline. Learn how you can spot them and hear an update from our researchers about the Two Bays Whale Project. Questions are welcomed and encouraged!

Register for the session using the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VW62xC-LRSu9igBDnGiK1Q #/registration

11/07/2026

WiSP was successful in receiving funding to conduct a fauna review of the Shallow Inlet Reserve. The assessment will help to identify sensitive or vulnerable wildlife. It will be the basis for WiSP to prepare conservation plans in the future.

WiSP proudly accepts the funding from Marinus Link and thanks Michelle Jelleff, President of Sandy Point Community Group, for her part in securing the grant.

02/07/2026

One of Sandy Point’s own!!!

29/06/2026

The Island Whale Festival 3-5 July!!!

28/06/2026

For an up to date status on the H5 Bird Flu follow the link:

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu?fbclid=IwdGRjcASuEQRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeaSUR6sxGP6NHnKDMVUC9dn-3VdWbweGiCrmopyElyslTDODu3k9VYkBOsg4_aem_bvnJYVMWHVUclPjHZAb8bw -0

A timely reminder for these school holidays ... Avoid, Record, Report

20/06/2026

WiSP will be in contact with local enthusiasts and wildlife responders to determine next steps. Please heed any warnings and be on the look out for sick wildlife.