The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected near Portland. Now what?

A dead crested tern near Portland has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu - Victoria's first case of the strain that has killed large numbers of wild birds and some mammals internationally.

Not feasible to wipe out: Australia first recorded the H5 strain in Western Australia last month, with 25 other cases now recorded across South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. 

The federal government, alongside state governments, has ruled out being able to fully eradicate the disease in wild birds. 

• Based on international data, state chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the H5 variant “has been known to cause large numbers of deaths in wild birds and some mammals”.

🗣️ “Further genetic testing is underway at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong to formally confirm this result,” Cooke said.

What does this mean? The state government has now enacted its State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan, which means federal and interstate jurisdictions will work together to develop the most efficient approach to minimising the spread of the disease.

🗣️ “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,” Cooke said.

Help stop the spread: Agriculture Victoria encouraged early and accurate reporting from residents if they saw something. 

• Locals should report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

• Residents should also report just one sick or dead wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or mammal such as a seal, sea lion or dolphin, as mammals are also at risk. 

• The Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action will assess each report and decide if testing is needed.

🗣️ “This applies at the coast, in parks and nature, at home, on farms and by water,” Cooke said.

How about farms? Poultry, game meat and eggs are still safe to eat when properly handled and cooked. 

• Poultry farmers should ensure sheds, yards and equipment are kept clean, quarantine new birds and limit contact between poultry and wild birds.

🗣️ “Always make sure your footwear is clean and wash your hands before and after handling your birds or eggs,” Cooke said.

🗣️ ‘If you find sick or dead wild birds, don’t touch them or try to collect them as this can risk more disease spreading. Instead, record what you see, the location and take photos or videos, and report.”

What should I look for? Agriculture Victoria noted death as the most important sign to be aware of in birds and mammals.

Other signs of H5 in birds include:

• sudden death

• lack of coordination

• tremors

• swimming in circles

• twisted necks or unusual posture

• inability to stand or fly

• diarrhoea

• difficulty breathing

• coughing or sneezing

• swelling around the head, neck or eyes

• cloudy eyes or changes in eye colour.

All reports should be made via the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu or to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.