The high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) has been detected in Victoria.
Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said this detection is a result of Australia's response to H5 bird flu, with the Victorian Government undertaking surveillance for the disease and working closely with the Commonwealth, interstate jurisdictions and industry partners.
'Preliminary testing has indicated H5 bird flu in a single greater crested tern found in Portland. Further genetic testing is underway at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong to formally confirm this result.' Dr Cooke said.
'This follows confirmation of the disease in seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, and the national decision that H5 bird flu is no longer technically feasible to eradicate in wildlife.'
'Following weeks of enhanced readiness, we have now enacted Victoria's State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan. Based on international experience, this H5 variant differs from previous strains and has been known to cause large numbers of deaths in wild birds and some mammals.'
'Our plans aim to limit impacts where possible particularly on our most threatened species, while also supporting our farmers and reducing risk to domestic and commercial poultry.
'We need 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
- REPORT it to DEECA using the online form
