Victoria records first deadly H5 bird flu case

7News Just In · Jul 30, 2026 · 2m

Victoria has confirmed its first case of H5 bird flu after a deceased bird in Portland, in the state's southwest, tested positive for the virus. The strain has already spread through New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia, causing significant wildlife deaths in overseas locations like South America. Authorities emphasise the risk to humans remains very low, but are increasing surveillance around important wildlife areas including seal colonies, the Australasian Gannet colony at Point Danger, Discovery Bay and the Glenelg estuary to protect both wildlife and the…