31/08/2026
🚨 H5 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in Gippsland.
While the risk of H5 bird flu to people and pets remains low, it is important to take simple precautions when spending time outdoors.
🦮 If you are walking your dog or visiting areas with native wildlife:
• Keep dogs on a lead
• Do not allow pets to investigate or eat sick or dead birds or other animals
• Keep cats contained and prevent them from roaming or hunting wildlife
• Avoid touching sick or dead birds or wildlife
These simple actions help protect pets, wildlife and curbs the spread of disease.
People can become infected if they have close contact with infected birds or other animals, their respiratory secretions, faeces (droppings) or other body fluids, or if they breathe in contaminated dust or droplets.
People at higher risk include:
✅ Poultry or wildlife workers
✅ People who have close contact with birds, their respiratory secretions, faeces (droppings) or other body fluids
✅ People who travel to countries with bird flu outbreaks and have contact with sick birds or other animals
Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, red sore eyes, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, headache and shortness of breath.
Getting your seasonal influenza vaccination reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill if you are exposed to seasonal influenza and bird flu at the same time.
💉 Who should get the seasonal influenza vaccine?
Yearly seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged six months and over. Receiving a seasonal influenza vaccine is particularly important for people who work with poultry or birds.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is available through GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Health services and local councils.
😷 If you are unwell and may have been exposed to H5N1 bird flu, seek medical advice and tell your GP about any possible contact with a sick or dead bird in the past 10 days. Wear a face mask and call ahead before attending your appointment so you can be seen separately from other patients if needed.
If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, avoid contact, record what you see and report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or by visiting the Agriculture Victoria website: https://bit.ly/4qE6i9s
🔗 Learn more about bird flu: https://bit.ly/4caKoou
👉 For the latest public health advice and information about bird flu, visit the Victorian Department of Health website: https://bit.ly/4xC4ekI
