H5N1 avian flu (bird flu)

Nillumbik Shire Council has developed a H5N1 Avian Influenza Response Plan(PDF, 1MB) which includes:

• an overview of bird flu and its potential impacts
• information about outbreaks and response arrangements
• infection control and personal safety measures
• roles and responsibilities, including Council's responsibilities

The primary responsibility for detecting, testing and managing bird flu rests with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Agriculture Victoria.

Council's role is to support community preparedness, provide public information, and work with relevant state agencies if an incident occurs locally.

If bird flu is detected locally, public land managers may be responsible for managing affected wildlife and impacts on public spaces and amenities.

If you see sick or dead wildlife:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds, other wildlife, and their environments.
• Record what you see, including the location, date, number of animals affected, and any visible symptoms.
• Report wildlife illness or deaths to DEECA using the online reporting form or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Reports should only be made for:

1. Clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species anywhere in Victoria.
2. A single sick or dead:
   • wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
   • marine mammal (such as a seal, sea lion or dolphin).

Following a report, DEECA will assess the information provided and determine whether testing is required.

Do not touch, catch or move sick or dead birds. Keep children, pets and other animals away from the bird and the surrounding area.

Follow the steps above to avoid, record and report the bird (if it meets reporting requirements).

Disposing of dead birds

•  If there are fewer than five dead birds (and no penguins, pelicans, birds of prey or black swans), disposal may be undertaken using your general waste bin, provided appropriate safety precautions are followed.

• For information on personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe disposal practices, visit Agriculture Victoria's guidance on Managing dead birds and wildlife on your land | H5N1 avian influenza | Poultry diseases | Animal diseases | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria

• If you are unsure, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 for advice before disposal.

Large numbers of dead birds or marine mammals

For five or more dead birds, more than one penguin, pelican, bird of prey or black swan, or any sick or dead marine mammal (such as a seal, sea lion or dolphin), call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 and follow the advice provided before disposal.

Council can collect and dispose of dead animals, including native wildlife and birds, on Council-managed roads and land, such as parks, reserves, nature strips and footpaths.

Before undertaking any collection or disposal activities, Council follows guidance issued by Agriculture Victoria and relevant state agencies, including any disease control orders that may be in place.

If you find a sick, injured or dead bird on Council land:

• Do not touch, move or handle the bird.
• Keep children, pets and other animals away from the area.
• Report the bird to Council using the Report a dead or injured animal service.
• If the bird meets Agriculture Victoria's reporting criteria for bird, report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (more information is provided in the section reporting sick or dead wildlife)

Council officers and contractors undertaking collection and disposal activities follow appropriate health, safety and biosecurity procedures.

Report a dead or injured animal - Nillumbik Shire Council

Dogs and cats can rarely become infected with bird flu, particularly if they eat or have close contact with an infected bird or other infected animal. The best way to protect your pets is to prevent this contact.

To protect your pets:

• Do not allow dogs or cats to approach, sniff, lick or eat sick or dead birds.
• Keep cats indoors where possible.
• Keep dogs on a leash, particularly in areas where wild birds gather.
• Do not leave pet food or water outside where wild birds can access it.
• If you have had direct contact with a sick or dead bird, wash thoroughly, change your clothes and footwear, and wash your hands before handling your pets.
• If your pet becomes unwell after interacting with a wild bird, keep it away from people and other animals and contact your veterinarian, advising them of the possible bird flu exposure.

Human infection with bird flu is rare and is generally associated with close contact with infected birds, other infected animals, or contaminated environments. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare.

Backyard chickens can catch bird flu. Infection can spread through contact with infected wild birds, their droppings, contaminated water or feed, and contaminated clothing, footwear or equipment. To help protect your flock, keep poultry separate from wild birds and maintain good hygiene and biosecurity practices.

More information about how to protect backyard chickens can be found on the Edendale website.