VICTORIAN fishos have been advised to stay alert following the detection of the H5 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) in migratory seabirds in Western Australia and South Australia.
This is the first time this strain has been detected in Australia. It spreads easily among birds and can affect wildlife, including species encountered offshore in tuna fishing areas.
There are currently no detections in Victoria, but vigilance on the water is critical—especially for those working in offshore environments where seabirds and marine mammals are active.
What to look out for while fishing:
* Unusual behaviour in seabirds (e.g. disorientation, inability to fly)
* Multiple dead seabirds floating or washed up
* Sick or dead marine mammals such as seals or dolphins around fishing grounds
What to do:
* Do not handle sick or dead birds or marine wildlife.
* Avoid bringing affected animals onboard or into contact with gear.
* Record key details: number and type of animals, GPS location, date and time.
* Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds anywhere in Victoria
* Report any single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey, or marine mammal
* Report immediately to Agriculture Victoria via the website agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
