One case of H5 bird flu has now been detected in Bayside.
While the risk to people and pets is extremely low, Agriculture Victoria advises that precautions should be taken to help protect local wildlife, pets and our environment.
Residents are to report sick or dead birds and marine mammals, particularly along the foreshore to Agriculture Victoria.
- Avoid contact and keep children and pets away.
- Record the location and, if safe to do so, take photos or videos from a distance.
- Report sightings immediately via Agriculture Victoria's online reporting tool.
What to report:
- Clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds, of any species, anywhere in Victoria; or
- A single sick or dead:
- seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (such as a seal, sea lion or dolphin).
If you're visiting the foreshore, please keep dogs on lead in areas where native wildlife is present, and where on leash restrictions apply.
It's important to give shorebirds and seabirds plenty of space to rest and recover. Some birds that contract H5N1 bird flu may recover, helping to build resilience within wild populations.
We will continue to monitor the situation and be advised by Agriculture Victoria and DEECA.
The latest updates are available below on Agriculture Victoria's website.
