As H5 bird flu continues to spread among wild birds along much of Victoria’s coastline, targeted biosecurity measures required across southern parts of the state have been extended for a further 28 days from September 19, 2026.
Under the order, anyone owning or managing 50 or more poultry in southern local government areas must continue housing or confining their birds to prevent contact with wild birds, their droppings, and any areas frequented by wild species.
Recent disease events across coastal regions have largely involved seabirds and shorebirds that remain close to the shoreline, placing coastal and southern poultry flocks at a heightened risk of exposure.
Agriculture Victoria maintains that strict biosecurity remains the best line of defence against the spread of H5 bird flu into primary production and domestic flocks. The temporary mandate will remain under review based on ongoing wild bird testing and disease risk.
While formal mandates target specific southern municipalities, poultry owners across all regions — including East Gippsland — are strongly advised to implement practical measures to eliminate direct and indirect contact between domestic birds and wild waterfowl.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has advised that a 90-day non-enforcement period regarding free-range labelling will apply while official confinement mandates or recommendations remain active.
Agriculture Victoria confirmed there have been no detections of H5 bird flu in Australian poultry or livestock to date, and no stock movement restrictions have been imposed.
Acting chief veterinary officer Cameron Bell stressed the importance of proactive measures for regional bird keepers.
“With coastal regions across the state continuing to see the impacts of H5 bird flu in wild bird populations, the requirement for strong biosecurity measures is necessary for poultry owners to protect their birds,” Dr Bell said.
“Practical measures can include restricting access of poultry to higher-risk areas, reducing the area or time birds are outside, improving exclusion of wild birds from sheds or yards, and protecting feed and water from wild bird access.”
Locals who spot sick or dead wild birds or livestock are urged not to touch them, but to report sightings online via the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
