H5 Bird flu devastates Victorian wildlife
Amelia Myles reports on H5 Bird flu in Victoria, and what the future holds for native Australian wildlife
With 94 confirmed cases of Avian influenza found in the state since early July, concern is high for the future of Victoria's bird life.
H5N1 Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious and fatal illness that causes severe neurological problems and mortality in bird species. The virus has never been detected in Australia until July, 2026, and is now causing devastation.
As reported by experts at Charles Darwin University and Birdlife Australia, Avian Influenza is a detrimental threat to over 400 native Australian animals, with 80 critically endangered species such as the Palm Cockatoo considered to be extremely high risk.
The outbreak is not only putting pressure on Australia's wildlife, but also avian rehabilitation groups. President of Freckles Fellowship, Molly Coonan, founded the pigeon rehabilitation sanctuary and has witnessed the impact that many previous viruses have also had on wildlife. “Especially in times of bird flu, it's been really tough,” she said. “Unfortunately, we have to start considering closing intakes.”
Coonan says the 2011 outbreak of paramyxovirus - another disease fatal to avian species - continues to cause mass mortality among pigeons nationwide even today.
Despite no cure being available for the current strain of bird flu, vaccinations are being issued to both intermediate and high risk species in an attempt to build up their resistance to the virus.
The Australian Government has allocated an initial $2M towards specialised vaccines for critical risk species, and an additional $22.1M towards increasing the number of
ready-to-use influenza vaccines. which brings the total allocation to over
$113M to also cover increased research and surveillance.
If vaccination programs are successful, there is hope that Australia’s wildlife will become less susceptible to the virus and this will slow down the spread to preserve species nationwide.
In the meantime, Coonan cautions people in the community to take care when it comes to spreading bird flu themselves, adding that simple habits like washing your hands and changing your clothes after contact with wild birds can help stop the spread of H5N1. “If everyone keeps up with that, we can all do our part in trying to reduce the effect of H5N1, not only with pigeons, but the entire population of animals."
If you see a deceased or sick bird, report to the 24 Hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
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