With the arrival of Avian Flu in Australia, it is possible that sick or dead birds or other wildlife may be found around the Sanctuary.
If you find a sick or dead bird or other wildlife
Do not touch, handle, or move any sick or dead animal unless specifically authorised and trained to do so.
Keep people and pets away from the area.
Record the location and, if safe to do so, take a photograph from a distance.
If the sighting is within Whitehorse Council (which the Sanctuary is): notify the Environmental Volunteering team at enviro.volunteering@whitehorse.vic.gov.au if you encounter a sick or dead bird, or if you observe unusual wildlife deaths.
Outside of Whitehorse Council: report unusual bird deaths or multiple dead birds through Agriculture Victoria's reporting page or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.
Official information and resources
For the latest information, please refer to:
Agriculture Victoria: H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu)
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-fluVictorian Department of Health: Avian influenza (bird flu)
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-fluWildlife Health Australia: H5 bird flu information and resources
https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Our-Work/Emergencies/Infectious-Diseases