How you can prepare for the potential arrival of H5N1 avian influenza in Victoria

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly infectious disease that can cause severe illness and death in poultry. The global strain of HPAI called H5N1 differs from previous strains in that it not only causes substantial mortality in poultry but can also cause the deaths of large numbers of wild birds and some affected mammals. There is no effective treatment for HPAI H5N1 and the prognosis for birds or mammals affected with the disease is poor.

As HPAI H5N1 has now been detected in Australia, there is an increased risk of this disease arriving in Victoria and outbreaks in local wild birds and other native wildlife.

The spread of avian influenza to people is rare but may occur with some strains of the virus if there is close contact with infected animals or their droppings, or with heavily contaminated environments. Good occupational health and safety practices when working with animals will minimise the risk of transmission.

NATIONALLY NOTIFIABLE DISEASE: if you suspect a bird or other animal is showing signs of avian influenza, you must report it:

• Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888 or local Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare Staff
• Wildlife hotline for reporting 5 or more sick or dead wild birds or even one sick or dead penguin, pelican, bird of prey, black swan or marine mammal - 136 186

Essential resources to help you prepare

The information below will assist veterinary practitioners, animal owners and the general public to recognise the clinical signs of HPAI H5N1 and prepare for a potential outbreak:

• VetWatch Newsletter HPAI H5N1 Special Edition from Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer: articles from experts, links to talks and other resources. Recommends that veterinary practices keep informed, plan and prepare as a practice and with their clients for an outbreak.
• Incident information from Wildlife Health Australia: includes HPAI advice factsheet for veterinarians and animal health professionals, national and international (WHO) guidelines, and many other resources
• Agriculture Victoria avian influenza pages: Avian influenza factsheet and current situation with H7 outbreak in Victoria (different type of avian influenza)
• Human health information: Avian influenza (bird flu) from the Victorian Department of Health
• Print this A3 poster: H5 Avian Influenza Preparedness. Veterinary practices are encouraged to put it up in the practice and share it with clients. The main message is to BE AWARE of sudden death or signs of sickness in wild birds and wildlife, AVOID contact with sick or dead animals, RECORD what you see and REPORT specified incidents. Electronic version here: High pathogenic avian influenza (from www.wildlife.vic.gov.au DEECA)

Contacts

• Emergency Animal Disease Hotline - 1800 675 888 
• Wildlife hotline for reporting 5 or more sick or dead wild birds or even one sick or dead penguin, pelican, bird of prey, black swan or marine mammal - 136 186
• Persons in close contact with infected animals or materials who develop flu-like symptoms should seek medical advice immediately and contact the Communicable Disease Prevention Unit of Vic Health - 1300 651 160 (24 hours)
• Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer - [email protected]

Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria
First published September 2024, updated June 2026

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