Thursday 17 September 2026

H5 bird flu – current situation

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. 

Avoid direct contact. 
Record what you see. 
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or using the online form.

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even one sick or dead:

• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).

Increased knowledge for land managers responding to H5 bird flu

More than 500 public land management staff and volunteers have increased their knowledge of H5 bird flu to help strengthen the response across Victoria.

Surveillance and sampling training for public land managers has been delivered to land managers involved in detecting, reporting and collecting samples from deceased wildlife, particularly marine mammals and seabirds.

This will enable individuals across more areas of Victoria to contribute to sampling requirements as surveillance efforts increase.

Agriculture Victoria delivered information on a range of topics including response, risks and protections, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sampling procedures during 10 sessions across metropolitan and regional locations including Colac, Anglesea, Tidal River, Orbost, Benalla, Knox and Horsham Parks Victoria, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Traditional Owner groups and other partner agencies took part in the training sessions last month.

Coastal land managers and frontline staff and volunteers in areas where migratory and native birds converge have assisted with reporting dozens of suspected bird flu cases already.

This training will ensure that those working on the ground responding to H5 bird flu have the information they need to keep themselves and their local community safe. 

Growing global demand for Victorian Dairy

Victoria remains Australia’s leading dairy exporter, and we’re ensuring that continues through a new partnership.

We’re partnering with Dairy Australia to help more dairy businesses access new trades and markets.

Minister Settle announced $250,000 in funding for the Growing Demand for Victorian Dairy Exports Program.

This funding through Global Victoria was matched by Dairy Australia, which will enable the delivery of:

• the Dairy Australia Scholarships Program including the Victorian based visit program and ongoing alumni engagement
• international seminars, showcasing the best of Australian dairy production and innovation on a global stage
• trade policy and market access work.

Plan ahead for the fire season

Hear practical lessons from farmers affected by the January fires and pick up tips to help protect your livestock, property and the future operation of your farm business. 

Listen to the farm fire preparedness webinar recording and use the Fire Preparedness Toolkit to get started. 

Download your free copy of the toolkit from our website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires/fire-toolkit or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au to request a hard copy.

Drought Support Package  

As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.  

Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:  

• Farm Drought Support Grants    
• Farm Advisory Service - 1:1 consultations  
• Look Over the Farm Gate grants   
• Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors    

To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit our website or phone 136 186.      

Victoria’s duck abundance survey about to begin

The Game Management Authority (GMA) will begin its annual Victorian game duck abundance survey on Monday, 5 October.

The survey will be conducted by wildlife biologists who will record the presence, species and number of game ducks at more than 860 waterbodies across Victoria, including wetlands, farm dams, sewerage treatment plants, streams and rivers.

Most sites will be surveyed by helicopter. Ground counts will be used where the helicopter is unable to operate.

Satellite imaging will be used to determine how much water is in game duck habitats in Victoria, which, together with the survey data, will be used to estimate the total abundance of each game duck species in the state.

The abundance estimate is a key input to support Adaptive Harvest Management for setting sustainable duck hunting arrangements each year.

GMA Research Principal, Dr Jason Flesch, said regularly collecting data is critical to understanding what drives the abundance and productivity of game duck populations.

Have your say - Looking ahead 2026 survey 

Help East Gippsland Shire, Wellington Shire and East Gippsland CMA update the 2019 'Looking Ahead' advocacy paper for Gippsland agriculture.

If you live in Wellington Shire Council or East Gippsland Shire Council they need your input on: 

• What are the key issues affecting your farm?
• What opportunities do you see?
• What challenges are you facing?

Take 15 minutes to have your say. 

Survey closes Saturday 26 September. 

Rebates to improve digital connectivity for primary producers

The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 assists primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety.

The grant is provided as a rebate to approved suppliers following the sale, delivery, installation, and training, where applicable, of eligible equipment to eligible primary producers. Eligible primary producers must access the program through an approved supplier.

A rebate of up to $20,000 (GST exclusive) is available to cover up to 50% of the eligible purchase price of eligible equipment. Applications close 5 pm Thursday 15 October.

• Fox bait misuse results in charges

• Vet Talk - watch for bloat as spring pastures take off

• Webinar recording: H5 bird flu update for backyard poultry and pet birds

• Backing Victorian farmers through drought

H5 bird flu information session - Mornington Peninsula

Date and time: Monday 21 September from 6 - 7 pm

Location: Flinders Civic Hall, 56 Cook Street.

Join wildlife and agriculture staff for the latest information about H5 bird flu in your local area. Hear the latest updates, learn what to do if you find sick or dead birds or wildlife, and have your questions answered.

No registration required. A livestream link will be posted on this event page ahead of the event.

Gippsland Soil Symposium 

When: Thursday 24 September, 9:30 am–3:30 pm 
Where: Gippsland Agricultural Centre, 345 Bengworden Rd, Bairnsdale

Fertiliser prices are rising, margins are tightening, and every input dollar needs to work harder. Join Joel Williams, Teale Simmons and Lachie Barclay for a practical and thought-provoking day focused on one key question: How can farmers maintain productivity and profitability while reducing costs and building more resilient farming systems?

Bringing together leading expertise in soil science, farm business economics, and commercial farming, this symposium will explore nutrient cycling, soil function, fertiliser efficiency, and real-world management strategies that are delivering results on farm. Expect practical examples, honest discussion, and evidence-based insights that you can take home and apply to your own business.

Managing the spring break

When: Wednesday 21 October, 6:30–8:30 pm 
Where: The Courthouse Restaurant, 72 Smith St, Warragul

Come and enjoy a night off the farm. Join a farm consultancy presentation and farmer-led discussion focused on preparing for the spring season.

Hear practical insights on:

• knowing your numbers
• managing feed
• navigating the opportunities
• challenges that spring can bring to your business.

Connect with fellow farmers, share experiences, and take home ideas to help set your farm up for a successful season.

A delicious sit down dinner will be provided.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training – Swifts Creek and Ensay, Omeo, Cann River and Dargo 

Who is this for?

• Individuals: Equip yourself with practical skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns
• Businesses and Organisations: Supports organisations in meeting Psychosocial Hazards obligations under Australian WHS legislation
• Community groups and Clubs: Increased capability in providing support.

Includes:

• Official MHFA Manual to each participant
• MHFA Training by a Licenced Instructor
• MHFA Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements. 

9 am to 3 pm. Morning tea and lunch provided. 

• Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October – Swifts Creek and Ensay: Bush Nursing Centre, 17 McMillan St, Swifts Creek 
• Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October –Omeo: Community Hall and Hub, 179 Day Ave, Omeo 
• Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 October –Cann River: Bush Nursing Centre, 27 Monaro Hwy, Cann River    
• Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November –Dargo: Bush Nursing Centre, 72 Lind Ave, Dargo.

Contacting Agriculture Victoria

Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.

All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

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