Birds affected by avian influenza may have the following symptoms:

• Ruffled feathers, depression, closed eyes
• Inability to stand or fly
• Diarrhoea difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
• Swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• Cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes
• Lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
• Twisted necks or other unusual posture

If you come across a dead or sick bird in the community, do not handle it.

Please report sick or dead poultry or livestock to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline immediately on 1800 675 888 or via AgVic - Wildlife Disease Reports

If advised by the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, residents can report a sick or deceased bird to Council through the following channels:

• Using Snap Send Solve
• Submitting a report through Online Services
• Calling Customer Support on (03) 5422 0333

Council staff will assess the report and arrange appropriate action if required.

If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife with signs of H5 bird flu:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
• RECORD what you see
• REPORT, to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action by using this form.
• or calling the Emergency Animal Disease hotline 1800 675 888 in line with the guidance below.

Report clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one sick or dead:

• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey (e.g. eagles, hawks)
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

If you need to dispose of a dead bird on your property, ensure you wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including:

• A face mask (a P2/N95 mask is preferred, but a surgical mask is acceptable if unavailable)
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Long-sleeved clothing
• Disposable or washable gloves
• Closed-in shoes that can be cleaned afterwards

Use tongs or a shovel or turn a plastic bag inside out over your hand to pick up the bird.

Carefully place the bird into a garbage bag, seal it, then place it into a second bag and seal again (double-bagging). Dispose of the bagged bird in your red general waste bin for collection. DO NOT DISPOSE OF IN YOUR FOGO BIN.

After handling the bird, remove and dispose of or clean your PPE as appropriate, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Human cases are rare and generally occur following close contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated environments. Person-to-person spread is very rare.

While uncommon, some mammals can become infected if they have contact with infected birds. Prevent pets from touching or consuming sick or dead birds.

Wash your hands, clean the pet if required, monitor for signs of illness, and contact a veterinarian if you have concerns.

Monitor your birds for illness, practise good hygiene and report any unusual illness or deaths immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

Review the recommendations on the Department of Agriculture website regarding poultry health and preventing disease.

Poultry health and preventing diseases | Backyard poultry and eggs | Poultry and eggs | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria