Living beside one of Victoria's most important coastal and wetland environments means Port Albert is home to many native and migratory birds throughout the year.

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While seeing birds around our beaches, wetlands and waterways is part of what makes our region special, it is important that our community understands how to recognise the signs of bird flu, knows what to do if sick birds are found, and understands how to help protect our local wildlife, backyard poultry and pets.

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The good news is that the risk to the general public remains low.

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By following a few simple precautions, everyone can help protect our community, our wildlife and our local farming industries.

 

What is Bird Flu?

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Bird flu (also known as avian influenza) is a virus that primarily infects birds.

It can affect:

• Wild birds

• Waterbirds

• Seabirds

• Backyard chickens

• Ducks

• Pet birds

• Commercial poultry.

 

Some strains can also infect other animals including mammals. Human infections are very rare and generally occur only after close contact with infected animals.

 

Australia has strong biosecurity systems in place and authorities closely monitor bird populations for signs of disease.

 

Why is Bird Flu Important for Port Albert?

 

Port Albert sits alongside internationally important coastal habitats visited by migratory birds each year.

Because wild birds naturally travel long distances, they can carry diseases between countries and regions.

 

Everyone who enjoys fishing, boating, walking along the foreshore, bird watching or owns backyard poultry can help by knowing what to look for and reporting unusual bird illness or deaths.

 

Early reporting helps protect:

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• Local wildlife

• Backyard chicken owners

• Commercial poultry farms

• Native bird populations

• Pets and livestock

• Our local environment.

 

Signs of Bird Flu in Birds

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A bird may be unwell if you notice:

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• Difficulty standing or walking

• Trouble flying

• Loss of balance

• Tremors or shaking

• Twisted neck

• Head or neck swelling

• Cloudy or swollen eyes

• Difficulty breathing

• Sneezing or coughing

• Diarrhoea

• Unusual behaviour

• Sudden death.

 

It is particularly important to report:

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• Multiple dead birds together

• Groups of sick seabirds

• Waterbirds showing unusual behaviour

• Large numbers of birds dying in one location.

 

What Should I Do if I Find a Sick or Dead Bird?

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DO

✅ Stay well away from the bird.

✅ Keep children and pets away.

✅ Take a photo if it can be done safely from a distance.

✅ Record the exact location.

✅ Report it immediately.

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DON'T

❌ Do not touch the bird.

❌ Do not pick it up.

❌ Do not move it.

❌ Do not take it home.

❌ Do not bury or dispose of it yourself.

 

How to Report Sick or Dead Birds

 

Early reporting allows experts to investigate quickly and protect wildlife.

If you find a sick or dead bird:  Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888 (Available 24 hours a day).

 

When reporting, try to provide:

• Location

• Number of birds

• Species (if known)

• Photos

• Date and time

• Your contact details.​​​

 

​​Keeping Your Backyard Chickens and Pet Birds Safe

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If you keep chickens, ducks, pigeons or pet birds, simple biosecurity measures can greatly reduce risk.

 

Protect food and water:

Keep feed and drinking water where wild birds cannot access it.

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Limit contact:

Prevent wild birds from mixing with your poultry whenever possible.

 

Keep enclosures clean:

Regularly clean coops, aviaries and feeding areas.

 

Wash your hands:

Always wash your hands after handling birds, eggs or equipment.

 

Watch for illness:

Monitor your birds every day for unusual behaviour or sudden deaths.

 

Don't introduce disease:

Avoid sharing equipment with other bird owners unless it has been properly cleaned and disinfected.

 

What About Pets?

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Dogs and cats should never be allowed to:

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• Play with sick birds

• Pick up dead birds

• Eat dead wildlife.

 

If your pet has had contact with a sick or dead bird, contact your veterinarian for advice.

 

Everyone Can Help Protect Port Albert

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Our beautiful coastline and wildlife are one of Port Albert's greatest assets.

By staying alert, reporting unusual bird deaths and practising good hygiene around birds, our community plays an important role in protecting local wildlife, backyard poultry and agriculture.

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Together we can help keep Port Albert safe for people, pets and wildlife.

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*Trusted information which has been supplied by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry