In wildlife, the signs of bird flu can vary widely – some animals may die suddenly, appear weak or wobbly, have seizures, or trouble breathing.

If you see something unusual, don’t ignore it, and make sure to:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife, including keeping your pets well away from any sick or dead wild animals,
• RECORD what you see, including the number and type of birds/animals, as well as the location, time and date, and
• REPORT anything unusual via the:
  • Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or report it to Agriculture Victoria via the website vic.gov.au/birdflu
  • Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead birds of any species
  • Report even one sick or dead:
    • wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey (e.g., eagles, hawks)
    • marine mammal (e.g., seal, sea lion, dolphin)

If you have backyard poultry, to protect your flock and avoid potential spread of the virus if it arrives in Victoria, make sure to:

1. Familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms and bird flu

If your flock is infected, signs will usually appear rapidly in multiple birds or across the entire flock, and can include:

• Sudden death
• Lethargy, incoordination, reluctance to walk, eat or drink, or an inability to stand
• Droopy appearance, ruffled feathers, unusual head or neck posture
• Head or limb swelling, bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
• Respiratory signs (panting, nasal discharge or sneezing)
• Diarrhoea
• Unusual reduction in egg production

2. If you notice any of the above signs, call your veterinarian or contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
3. Prevent contact between your birds and wild birds

H5 bird flu can spread between wild birds and your flock. Restrict access to open water sources which wild birds may frequent, and keep feeding and water stations under covered areas that wild birds cannot access to reduce mingling or contamination of feed and water.

4. Check  Agriculture Victoria’s website and Facebook frequently

If bird flu is detected in Victoria, there may be restrictions put in place. Make sure to follow any official directives if bird flu is detected in your area. Now is a good time to check your housing set-up and make sure you can comfortably house your poultry for longer periods if required, including room for them to scratch, forage and explore, as well as ensure you are able to prevent contact between wild birds and your flock.

5. Practice good hygiene and biosecurity

H5 bird flu can spread on contaminated materials. It is important to make sure you are practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly, cleaning footwear and clothes, and avoid wearing the same clothing if moving between your flock and poultry shows or other properties with birds.

Biosecurity measures include quarantining any new birds or birds you have taken off your property, limiting visitors to bird areas, keeping records of bird movements and your own movement particularly between farms, and regular and thorough cleaning of equipment, housing, feed and water stations.

More information can be found here.

Bird flu has not been detected in pet birds in Victoria, however, pet birds are still susceptible to H5 bird flu. If you have pet birds, like parrots, make sure to:

• Follow the same steps for poultry where applicable, by familiarising yourself with the signs of bird flu, and following strict hygiene, biosecurity and quarantine standards
• Avoid all contact with wild birds
• Ensure outdoor aviaries or cages prevent wild birds from coming into contact with your birds, including via contamination from wild bird droppings
• Ensure water and food sources are covered to avoid contamination from wild bird droppings
• Contact your local avian veterinarian for advice on specific preventative measures or if you are concerned your bird might be showing signs of bird flu

There are infrequent cases of dogs and cats contracting this strain of bird flu overseas, usually following contact with sick or dead birds, other animals with the virus, or through feeding raw pet food and unpasteurised (raw) milk. Make sure to:

• Keep your pets away from wildlife as much as possible

This may include keeping your dog on leash if there may be wild birds or animals around, particularly near bodies of water.

If you have roaming cats, consider transitioning them to being contained on your property. There are resources to assist you here.

RSPCA Victoria also offers a free pet behaviour helpline you can call if you need assistance with transitioning your cat to containment, or for general behavioural advice for dogs or cats.

If you have small mammals, such as rabbits, housed outdoors, ensure that their enclosures are able to prevent contact with wild birds, including food and water stations, and practice good hygiene and biosecurity by regularly cleaning bedding, flooring, housing, enrichment items and any other equipment. See more on tips for housing rabbits here.