The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has confirmed that the City of Casey has recorded a case of H5 Bird Flu (H5N1). This case was confirmed in a greater crested tern in Clyde on Friday 7 August.
DEECA is leading the response, and Council will work closely with them to support local response efforts and keep our community informed.
While there is no need for alarm, we encourage residents to stay informed and remain aware of official advice. The risk to the general public remains low, and there is currently no indication that people need to change their day-to-day activities.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife
- Avoid contact.
- Record the exact location and what you observed.
- Report it by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or via the online form: https://forms.bio.vic.gov.au/wildlife-influenza-investigation
Please report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species anywhere in Victoria, or any single sick or dead:
- Wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey.
- Marine mammal (such as a seal or dolphin).
Community reports help authorities assess risks, identify birds suitable for testing, and respond quickly to potential disease outbreaks.
To help you identify the species most at risk from H5N1 bird flu, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu/identify-wild-birds-in-victoria
To see wildlife cases reported in Victoria and where H5 bird flu has been detected, view the interactive map
When to report to Council
If the birds are on Council land, the advice from DEECA is to leave them to decompose. However, if the birds are located in an area that may affect community use, such as a sportsground, playground or walking track, please report it to Council by calling 9705 5200 or through Snap Send Solve: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/sss
Council will assess the situation and determine whether removal is required, in line with DEECA’s current advice.
If you see injured birds or wildlife
We know people care deeply about wildlife and want to help when they see an animal in distress. Please avoid contact and report the injured bird or wildlife to Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300 or via the online form: https://wildlifevictoria.org.au/report-a-wildlife-emergency/
We understand this may be concerning for some residents and thank our community for helping protect Victoria’s wildlife. Council will provide updates as further information becomes available.
For the latest updates and information, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu
Frequently Asked Questions: information current as of 12 August
- What is H5 bird flu?
H5 bird flu is a serious, highly contagious strain of bird flu that has been circulating globally. It mainly affects birds but can also infect other animals. Overseas, the H5 strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and some mammals.
What is the risk to people?
The current risk is low. Bird flu rarely spreads to people as transmission usually requires close contact with infected birds, other infected animals or contaminated environments. Spread between people is also very rare.
What are the signs of H5 bird flu?
Infected animals might look very sick or show no signs at all. Birds can sometimes die suddenly without warning. For wild birds, signs may include difficulty standing, walking or flying, breathing problems, unusual head or neck posture, or sudden death. If you are unsure, avoid contact and report sick or dead birds or other animals.
How does H5 bird flu spread?
Infected birds can spread the virus through body fluids, droppings and feathers. The virus can also spread through the air or on contaminated clothing, shoes, animals, vehicles, equipment and water.For more information, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu/about-h5-bird-flu
- How do I know what type of bird it is?
Visit Agriculture Victoria's website: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu/identify-wild-birds-in-victoria
- What happens when I make a report?
Your state biosecurity agency reviews the information provided and determines whether investigation, site visits or sampling are required.
- Who will remove the dead bird(s) from private property?
Avoid contact. Record location. Report by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or online and visit the Agriculture Victoria website for clean-up advice.
For more information, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu/managing-dead-birds-and-wildlife-on-your-land#h2-3- Who will remove the dead birds on other public land?
Avoid contact, Record location, Report by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or online and report it to the relevant land manager. (eg. Melbourne Water, DEECA, Parks Victoria, etc).
- What can I do to protect my pet birds and backyard poultry?
Keep watch for signs of bird flu and protect your birds by:
• keeping equipment and enclosures clean
• preventing contact between your birds and wild birds
• keeping food and water clean
• practicing good hygiene
• limiting visitor access
• quarantining new birds.
For more information, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu/avian-influenza-information-for-backyard-poultry-owners- Should I be worried about my pets?
H5 bird flu mainly affects birds. Cats and dogs can sometimes get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To reduce the risk, keep pets away from sick or dead birds and other wildlife. Keep dogs on a leash, especially near wildlife, and keep cats confined to your property. This also helps protect our wildlife from our pet cats and dogs.
For more information, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu/managing-dead-birds-and-wildlife-on-your-land#h2-5- Should I get vaccinated?
The annual flu vaccination does not protect against H5N1, however people who work in the field are encouraged to be immunised to prevent the potential for co-infection with strains of the bird flu virus. This reduces the risk of a genetic change to the virus that may become more transmissible and spread from human to human.
For more information, visit https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bird-flu-avian-influenza#prevention- Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs?
Yes. Bird flu is not considered a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly. Practice good hand hygiene and thoroughly cook meat and eggs before eating.
- Has Australia experienced bird flu before?
Yes. Australia has experienced H7 bird flu outbreaks in poultry before. The current detections involve the more serious H5 strain that has been circulating globally.