After receiving a report, AgVic and DEECA will assess the information, determine whether testing is required, and coordinate any necessary responses with land managers.
Advice for pet owners
When visiting beaches, parks and other outdoor areas:
- Keep dogs on a lead.
- Stop pets from approaching, scavenging or eating dead birds or wildlife.
- Wash your hands after outdoor activities, especially if you may have come into contact with bird droppings.
Advice for backyard poultry owners
Poultry owners should take steps to reduce contact between domestic birds and wild birds. This includes protecting feed and water sources and maintaining good biosecurity practices. Agriculture Victoria provides the latest guidance for poultry owners and any current requirements on the website.
Managing sick and dead wildlife
Leave dead wildlife where it is
In most situations, dead wildlife can be left where it is found to decompose naturally.
While it can be distressing to see dead birds or wildlife, leaving them undisturbed is often the best option. This helps minimise disturbance to surviving animals and supports natural processes within local ecosystems.
Community reports continue to play an important role in helping authorities understand where H5 bird flu may be present. If you see sick or dead wildlife, please avoid contact, keep pets away from the area and report what you have observed.
Beaches, parks and public spaces remain open unless otherwise advised.
If a dead bird needs to be removed
In some circumstances, such as on private property or in areas used regularly by people, it may be necessary to remove a dead bird.
If you choose to do this, take simple precautions to protect yourself:
- avoid touching the bird with bare hands
- wear gloves, a mask, eye protection and long sleeves
- use a shovel, tongs or a plastic bag to pick up the bird
- place the bird in 2 sealed bags
- dispose of it in your general household waste bin (red lid bin)
- wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
- clean any clothing, footwear or equipment used during handling.
For more information about managing dead birds or wildlife on your property, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
If you see a sick bird
If you come across a sick bird, the best approach is to avoid contact, record what you see and report it.
Although many people want to help wildlife in distress, reducing human interaction with sick birds helps minimise stress on the animal and reduces the risk of disease spread.
Why affected birds are usually left undisturbed
Government veterinarians do not routinely euthanise sick wild birds.
This approach recognises that some birds may recover from infection and contribute to the long-term recovery of bird populations. Limiting unnecessary interaction with affected wildlife also helps reduce disturbance to bird colonies and lowers the risk of birds moving to new locations.
In some situations, private veterinarians or licensed wildlife carers may determine that euthanasia is appropriate based on the condition of an individual animal. These decisions are made carefully and on a case-by-case basis.
Members of the public and community groups should not attempt to euthanise sick birds. Native wildlife, including wild birds, is protected under Victorian law.
What to do if you find dead wildlife on private land:
If you find dead birds or wildlife on your private land, there is currently a control area order (wildlife) in place for dead wildlife sampling, handling and disposal on private land statewide.
The requirement has been introduced to support the safe and consistent handling and disposal of dead wildlife on private land due to the presence of H5 bird flu. It is in place for 28 days until 29 September 2026, or until revoked.
This order authorises land owners or managers to move and dispose of wildlife that have died from H5 bird flu on private land.
For more information, please visit Managing dead birds and wildlife on your land.
Read the control order
A copy of the order may be obtained by calling the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186 or online from the Victorian Government Gazette.