31/08/2026
📣An Important Bird Flu Update!
You may have heard about H5 bird flu (avian influenza) in the news. H5 bird flu has now been detected in wild birds in Victoria, so it's important to know what to do if you come across a bird that appears sick or has died.
‼️Please don't pick up an unwell or dead wild bird and bring it directly into the practice.
Instead:
▪️ Avoid touching or handling the bird and keep children and pets away.
▪️ Record what you've seen and where you found it.
▪️ If safe to do so while keeping your distance, take a photo or video.
▪️ Call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline📞 on 1800 675 888 for advice and follow their instructions.
Current Victorian guidance asks people to report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, as well as even one sick or dead wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey.
What About Your Pets❓
H5 bird flu primarily affects birds, but cats and dogs can become infected in rare cases after eating or interacting with infected animals.
To help keep your pets safe:
▪️ Don't allow them to sniff, touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
▪️ Keep dogs on lead around wild birds.
▪️ Keep cats contained.
▪️ Prevent wild birds from accessing your pet's food and water where possible.
If your pet becomes unwell after contact with a sick or dead bird, please call us before bringing them into the practice so we can advise you on what to do next🧡
