THE number of confirmed bird flu cases within the City of Frankston has grown to three, and on the Mornington Peninsula they have climbed to 24.
The Frankston detections have been in greater crested terns and one silver gull. Cases have also been recorded in Blairgowrie, Dromana, Capel Sound, McCrae, Mt Eliza, Portsea, Pt Leo, Rosebud, Rye, Safety Beach, Sorrento, and St Andrews Beach.
The species where bird flu has been detected widened last week. Previously all detections had been in either greater crested terns or silver gulls. Last week, there were single recorded events involving Australasian gannet, a black-faced cormorant and a little penguin at St Andrews Beach.
There continue to be grave concerns for Western Port Bay’s wetlands that are a critical habitat for wildlife, and home to 65% of threatened bird species in Victoria.
The reporting guidelines now ask for people to report clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, but to report even a single sick or dead wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
If you find a sick or dead bird that you suspect could have H5 bird flu remember to:
AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not touch, move or approach the bird, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video (if possible) without approaching the bird.
REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
First published in the Frankston Times – 8 September 2026
