Member of the public alerts authorities to first bird flu detection in Victoria

The deadly H5 bird flu strain has been detected in Victoria for the first time.

After a confirmed case was first discovered in a sick migratory seabird in Western Australia last month, the highly contagious virus has since crossed multiple state borders and has been discovered in Portland in the state’s south-west.

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Agriculture Victoria said the virus was detected in a greater crested tern and genetic testing is now underway to confirm the result at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong.

A “concerned member of the public” identified the sick bird and contacted Wildlife Victoria on Tuesday.

“Wildlife Victoria monitored the case until Agriculture Victoria responders arrived on scene to contain and test the bird. The tern was confirmed positive to H5 bird flu shortly after,” a spokesperson said.

“The detection of H5 bird flu in Victoria is incredibly worrying and we’re working closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to understand the implications this will have on our Emergency Response Service, veterinary staff, and the work of our volunteers across the state.”

Victorian Farmers Federation President Ryan Milgate said the strain was detected in a wild bird, meaning commercial poultry flocks are unaffected at this stage.

“While this detection is concerning, it’s not unexpected and the wider agriculture industry has been undertaking an enormous amount of preparation over the past few months for this very moment,” Milgate said.

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What you need to know about the deadly H5 bird flu strain

Authorities yesterday said it is believed H5 bird flu is being transmitted between birds in South Australia, sparking fears for a colony of endangered sea lions at a popular tourist hotspot.

SA Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven confirmed 11 suspected cases of the H5 strain of bird flu had been detected among greater crested terns in the state.

Seven of the suspected cases were detected the state’s south-east and four were discovered on Kangaroo Island.

Members of the public have been urged to continue to report dead and sick birds, keep up to date with the situation at birdflu.gov.au, and not to touch dead birds.

Before today, there have been are 27 confirmed H5 bird flu detections, including 14 in South Australia, 10 in Western Australia, two in NSW and one in Queensland.