Avian Influenza
The City of Victor Harbor is aware of the recent detection of H5 bird flu on the Fleurieu Peninsula. We understand this may raise questions for our community, so we have brought together what is currently known, the simple steps you can take, and links to the official sources where you can find more detail.
This page will be updated as we have more information.
Current Situation - 4 August 2026
The situation with Bird Flu in South Australia is continually evolving. While the risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low, it is important to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, to stay up to date with current advice from the official State Government Authorities listed below and to follow their advice.
Reporting sick or dead birds
If you see sick or dead birds:
- Avoid contact with them and keep pets away. Do not touch them.
- Record the date, time, location, species (type of bird) and how many.
- Report your observations to the 24hr Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888
Advice for bird and poultry owners
If you own, care for, or work with birds or chickens, you should:
- prevent wild birds from mingling with your birds, and accessing their feed and water
- keep pens, aviaries, feeders and equipment clean
- wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling birds
- monitor birds for signs of disease or sudden deaths.
Official Information Sources
There are well established national arrangements in place to respond to emergency animal diseases, including avian influenza. The following are links to official information sources: