Bird flu, also known as avian influenza or H5N1, has been confirmed in the City of Monash. The risk to people in Australia remains low, but residents can help protect themselves, their pets and local wildlife by knowing what to do if they find sick, injured or dead wildlife.
Do not touch sick or dead birds or wildlife. Keep children and pets away, and do not touch feathers, droppings, eggs or the area around the animal.
If you find sick, injured or dead wildlife: do not report individual animals to Council. Report bird flu events to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or online at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
If you find dead wildlife on Council property: contact Council on 9518 3555 and we will arrange safe disposal. Council property includes parks, reserves, roadsides and other land managed by Council.
If you find dead wildlife on your own property: avoid direct contact and leave it to decompose where it is, unless it creates a safety issue, blocks access or is causing a bad smell. If you must remove it, wear long sleeves, gloves and shoes you can clean. Use a shovel or tongs, place the animal in a leak-proof plastic bag, tie it shut, place it inside a second leak-proof bag and put it in your red-lid general waste bin.
After any contact or clean-up, wash your hands with soap and warm water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Wash clothes, shoes and any tools that may have been contaminated.
When to report a bird flu event
H5 bird flu reporting in Victoria has changed. You are now asked to report bird flu events to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, rather than reporting every individual sick or dead animal.
A bird flu event means a cluster of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
You should also report even one sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
Report bird flu events immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Council does not take reports of bird flu events.
For the latest updates and advice, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
