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Please visit the Agriculture Victoria website for information about the bird flu and other animal diseases, including how to report a dead or sick animal.
Agriculture Victoria is leading the state's response to bird flu with Local Government providing a supporting role.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I find sick birds, wildlife or pets?
Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 if:
• There are 5 or more sick or dead wild birds.
• There is a sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey, pelican, black swan or penguin.
• There is a sick or dead marine mammal, such as a seal or dolphin..
Please do not touch sick or dead birds or wildlife. Keep pets and children away from the area.
What can Council do?
If a dead bird or wildlife is located on public land under Council management our Environmental Health team will determine whether removal is required to manage public health and safety.
Council has been directed by Agriculture Victoria to only remove/dispose of dead birds if “necessary” for public health. Where practicable, Agriculture Victoria’s advice is to leave wildlife to decompose naturally if the animal is not readily accessible to the public and does not create a public health risk.
Council staff are unable to handle sick wildlife.
What can we do if the bird is still alive but visibly sick?
Make a report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Council staff are unable to handle sick or injured wildlife.
Should I move the bird?
No. Guidance from Agriculture Victoria states to avoid touching or moving sick or dead birds and wildlife.
Is bird flu dangerous to people?
Agriculture Victoria advises that the current risk to human health remains low. Human cases are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people.