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Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat

Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak.

By news@gippsland - 12th August 2026 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is encouraging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife, as government agencies and local partners ramp up measures to protect Phillip Island's wildlife from H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

Bass Coast urges residents and visitors to avoid sick or dead wildlife following H5N1 detection on Phillip Island, as agencies coordinate response measures and plans advance to vaccinate little penguins

The advice follows the detection of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza on Phillip Island, with council working closely with Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water and Agriculture Victoria on a coordinated response across Bass Coast. Following the Commonwealth's vaccine announcement yesterday, the Victorian government today confirmed plans to vaccinate Phillip Island's little penguins against H5N1.

Wildlife response coordination

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Tessari said that council was working closely with agencies and partners to ensure a coordinated response across Bass Coast. "Although we have been preparing for this event for some time, it is not the news we wanted to hear. Our wildlife is iconic; from our world-famous little penguins, our seal colony, and our short-tailed shearwaters, Phillip Island is home to them all, and our community is closely connected to the coast and these animals."

"Council is responding to this in partnership with other agencies. You might see signs in public places, like our beaches, advising you that a dead bird or animal has been reported. I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and understand their role in how and when to report anything of concern. Early reporting gives everyone the best possible chance to monitor the spread and minimise impacts. If you see something concerning, avoid it and report it," he said.

Phillip Island stays open

Cr Tessari added, "We also welcome the Victorian and Commonwealth governments' announcement to vaccinate Phillip Island's little penguins against H5 bird flu. It's encouraging that proactive steps are being taken to help protect this iconic species. While we all have a role to play in responding to this outbreak, I do want to stress that Phillip Island and Bass Coast remain open for business. We want visitors to come and enjoy everything the region has to offer."

"Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, and I'll continue to do everything I can to showcase the incredible natural beauty, attractions and experiences that make Bass Coast such a special place to visit," said Cr Tessari. While the risk to human health remains very low, residents and visitors are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, including birds and marine mammals.

When around sick wildlife

Avoid

• Contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment.

Record

• What you see
• The location
• Photos or videos if it is safe to do so

Report

• Clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species
• Single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal such as a seal, sea lion or dolphin

Reports can be made through Agriculture Victoria's website or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Signs of H5N1 avian influenza in birds may include sudden death, lack of coordination, tremors, difficulty standing or flying, respiratory symptoms, swelling around the eyes or head, and unusual behaviour.

Poultry owners are also encouraged to review their biosecurity measures, including limiting contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, maintaining clean facilities and practising good hygiene when handling birds or eggs. For more information or to report sick or dead wildlife, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Pictures from Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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