Wildlife Victoria’s veterinary team will be stationed near Portland and respond in field across the region to wildlife impacted by H5 bird flu. The team brings extensive wildlife expertise and experience and will provide support to the local community, veterinary clinics, and hardworking volunteers.
Calls made to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline are being triaged by Agriculture Victoria with reports of live birds referred to the Wildlife Victoria Emergency Response Service for in-field response.
Wildlife Victoria volunteers are being deployed to suspected H5 bird flu cases across the state using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established response protocols. Volunteers will transport affected wildlife to a veterinary clinic for assessment, treatment when possible, or humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
The response has been made possible through government funding recently announced by Victoria’s Environment Minister, Jaclyn Symes.
The funding will also bolster Wildlife Victoria’s 24/7 Emergency Response Service, helping ensure the phone line is adequately staffed to receive calls from members of the public and referrals from the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
What to do if you suspect H5 bird flu
If you encounter a native animal suspected of having H5 bird flu, do not handle the animal. Report your concerns to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For more information about H5 bird flu, including signs and symptoms and what to do if you encounter affected wildlife, read our H5 bird flu article.