If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them. If there are multiple dead birds or other animals, take photos or a video.
Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
The situation - June 2026
H5 bird flu (highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI H5N1) was confirmed on the Australian mainland for the first time on 20 June 2026 in wild seabirds in a remote part of Western Australia. There have been no detections in poultry, dairy cattle or any other livestock. This ends Australia’s status as the last H5-free continent and shifts the issue from an external threat to active on-the-ground biosecurity management.
*VFF will try to update this page and new information comes to hand.
What is H5 Bird Flu?
This strain of bird flu is different from the H7 strains that were detected on Victorian poultry farms in 2024 and 2025. H5 bird flu is, first and foremost, a disease of birds. That single fact shapes the whole risk map: the poultry sectors carry by far the highest likelihood and the most severe consequences, while the risks in livestock sectors range from low (dairy, pigs) to negligible (beef, sheep, goats).
The virus specifically targets bovine mammary glands, causing drops in milk yield, and can be transmitted to humans handling infected animals or consuming raw dairy. Pasteurised milk sold commercially is entirely safe. An incursion into dairy herds could cause a steep, prolonged drop in milk production (recovery can take more than two months), with flow-on effects for the supply chain and exports. The risk to human health remains low.
Australia is well prepared
Victoria has a recent, proven track record successfully eradicating avian influenza outbreaks in 2024 (Meredith/Terang) and early 2025 (Euroa) through close cooperation between government, industry and community. National arrangements (AUSVETPLAN and the EADRA) mean the state leads the response, supported by the Commonwealth, with Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer coordinating nationally.
Please note that policy decision making has to take into account multiple factors including international trade agreements. Housing orders (where commercial birds are confined indoors) could be rolled out, however at present the current policy setting is for voluntary housing orders in order to safe guard Australia’s international trade.
Working closely with government
The VFF is working closely with Agriculture Victoria and the Office of the Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer on member communication, surveillance and reporting and preparedness.
What can you do now?
• Tighten on-farm biosecurity: quarantine new stock, limit visitors, disinfect vehicles and equipment.
• Reduce wild-bird contact (restrict feed/water; net standing water). Do not cull wild birds not effective and often unlawful.
• Know the signs (milk drop, mastitis, fever, abnormal milk, unexplained deaths) and report immediately to the EAD Hotline 1800 675 888.