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Thursday 20 August 2026
H5 bird flu update
From 20 August, bird flu reporting in Victoria has changed to align with the national reporting framework.
We now report H5 bird flu events, rather than individual detections. The new number of positive events captures all previously reported individual confirmed detections.
You can explore confirmed events on our interactive map.
H5 bird flu has not been detected in poultry and has not become established in any part of Australia.
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 or using the form below.
For updates, visit the agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu regularly and follow Agriculture Victoria on Facebook.
For more information about the situation across Australia, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/birdflu
Community information session
Have questions about H5 bird flu? Join us for a community information session on Phillip Island.
Berninneit, 91-97 Thompson Ave, Cowes
Friday 21 August
5 pm to 7 pm
Our wildlife and agriculture staff will share the latest information about H5 bird flu, provide local updates, explain what to do if you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, and answer your questions.
Register here: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1634148
Backing wildlife volunteers to respond to bird flu
The Victorian Government is providing more support for wildlife volunteers and organisations, following the detection of H5 bird flu in Victoria.
Minister for Environment Jaclyn Symes announced a $500,000 funding package for the wildlife sector.
It includes $250,000 for frontline wildlife rescuers and shelters and $250,000 for Wildlife Victoria.
The funding will help wildlife rescuers and carers buy personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies needed to meet strict biosecurity requirements.
Celebrating National Science Week
25 years of genomics driving smarter farming worldwide
Victoria is marking 25 years since a landmark international study co-authored by Victorian scientists helped establish genomic selection as a powerful tool used around the world to improve how farmers breed healthier animals and grow better crops.
Agriculture Victoria Head Agriculture Science and Technology Simone Warner said the 2001 research provided the foundations for a method that has changed how breeders make decisions.
'This work has shaped breeding programs around the world, delivering industry benefits since 2016, with even greater gains projected according to DataGene analysis, and reflects the long-term contribution of Victorian scientists to global agricultural research.
Victorian Agricultural Invertebrate Collection
Ever wondered where scientists go to identify a mystery insect?
At AgriBio, the Victorian Agricultural Invertebrate Collection holds thousands of preserved insect and invertebrate specimens collected over many decades.
The collection is maintained by entomologists and biosecurity specialists who use it to identify pests and help protect Victoria's agriculture from new biosecurity threats.
Every specimen tells a story. Together, they provide a record of how insect populations, pests and beneficial species have changed over time.
As we celebrate National Science Week, we're shining a light on the collections and scientific expertise that help protect Victoria's farms, food supply and environment.
Fire season farm preparedness webinar
Victorian farmers and rural landholders are invited to attend a webinar on Wednesday 2 September at 7 pm to help prepare for the upcoming fire season.
Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Kylie Macreadie said managing the risk of bushfire on your farm is essential.
‘Whether you are a livestock producer, equine property owner, small landholder, hobby farmer or new to farming planning now for the fire season can help reduce stress and ensure your people, property, animals and business are prepared.
Biosecurity Reference Group applications close Sunday
Biosecurity helps protect Victoria's farms, environment and communities.
Applications are now open for the third term of Victoria's Biosecurity Reference Group.
We're looking for people from across Victoria to help shape how we manage biosecurity risks into the future. You don't need previous board experience. We're interested in people who can share their knowledge, experience and perspectives.
As a member, you'll help:
- provide advice on biosecurity priorities and challenges
- contribute to policy and program development
- work with industry, communities and government to influence collective action across Victoria's biosecurity system
- champion biosecurity within your sector, region or community.
We encourage applications from people with experience in agriculture, environment, research, supply chains and community organisations. Applications from First Nations people are strongly encouraged.
Applications close this Sunday 23 August at 11:59 pm.
Free Mental Health First Aid® Training
Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) equips participants with the skills and confidence to recognise and respond when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, provide initial support, and guide them towards appropriate professional help.
Upcoming free courses
Walwa, Victoria
7 to 8 September 2026Lake Bolac, Victoria
14 to 15 September 2026Woomelang, Victoria
21 to 22 September 2026
Course format: 2 days (12 hours)
These free training opportunities are supported through Look Over The Farm Gate grants provided by Agriculture Victoria under the Victorian Government's 2025 Drought Support Package.
Register your interest today.
Strengthening biosecurity legislation in Victoria
Agriculture Victoria has released a summary of community and stakeholder feedback on proposed reforms to strengthen Victoria's biosecurity legislation.
Feedback showed strong support for a shared responsibility approach to managing biosecurity risks and improving livestock PIC data to support traceability and emergency response. The summary also highlights the importance of practical guidance, education and clear expectations to support implementation.
For more information, please contact animal.biosecurity@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Biosecurity = food security
From paddock to plate, every meal starts with preparedness, prevention and protection.
By working together to detect and respond to animal disease threats early, we all help to protect the livestock industries that feed Australia.
In #BioWeekAU, take a moment to learn how preparedness strengthens Australia’s resilience and helps safeguard our food supply.
When it comes to biosecurity, being prepared today helps protect tomorrow’s herds and flocks.
Significant Disease Investigation program research
Agriculture Victoria is undertaking an evaluation, from a producer’s perspective, of the Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) program. The program provides subsidies to private veterinarians to undertake comprehensive investigations of significant disease events. It also provides subsidies to livestock producers when they engage a private veterinarian to investigate a disease outbreak.
This program ultimately enhances Victoria’s ability to detect and to respond to suspect emergency animal diseases and subsequently helps to boost Australia’s overall surveillance capacity.
The aim of the research is to understand how the SDI program can best support producers, as well as deliver the desired animal disease surveillance outcomes. Feedback from cattle producers who have used the program will help to shape future improvements.
If you have participated in the SDI program and would like to share your experience, please contact Will Daniel from Verian Research on will.daniel@veriangroup.com
Participants will receive a $150 e-gift card for sharing your thoughts with Verian via a one-on-one conversation.
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: you may be eligible for financial support for recovery.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 for those who have suffered major asset damage or loss of income.
- Grants are open until 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Support to help you reset and recover after drought
Gippsland farmers are encouraged to access support as they recover from drought and plan for the seasons ahead.
Agriculture Victoria Executive Director Dougal Purcell said recovery is not the same for every farm, with each business facing its own circumstances and timeline. Many farmers are also continuing to manage seasonal uncertainty and financial pressures.
'We are supporting farmers to stabilise, rebuild and make practical decisions that strengthen their businesses over time.
Applications for the Farm Drought Support Grants are open until funding is fully allocated or 30 September 2026, whichever comes first.
Support before, during and after drought with RIC loans
Wherever you are in the drought cycle, a RIC Drought Loan can improve cash flow to help eligible farm businesses manage through, recover and prepare when faced with drought.
Or if you’re in prolonged drought that has affected your financials for 2 years or more, and you expect the impact to continue, you may be eligible for a RIC Drought Hardship Loan to pay for operating costs, with no repayments for the first 2 years of the 5-year loan. Interest is deferred in this time to be repaid with principal and interest from year 3.
RIC has helpful tools and information to understand loan products and eligibility before applying. If in doubt please don't self-assess. It’s important to start a conversation with RIC’s agri lending team about your individual business situation.
AI in horticulture workshops – Maffra and Cranbourne
Date and time: Tuesday 25 August, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Maffra
Date and time: Wednesday 26 August, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Cranbourne
Victorian growers are invited to a practical demonstration on how AI can be used to support horticulture - from farm to packing shed and beyond.
Learn from 2 presenters about a wide variety of uses for AI, including the different AI options available – cost, pros/cons etc privacy and data protection using AI – to analyse farm and factory data AI in meetings, the pack-shed and much more.
The event will be tailored to grower questions - tell us how you would like AI to support your farming operations. Minimal cost input for maximum efficiency output.
2026 Victorian Landcare forum
Date and time: Monday 31 August from 9 am – 5 pm
Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Throughout 2026, Victoria will celebrate Landcare’s 40-year anniversary. A key part of these celebrations is the Victorian Landcare Forum, which brings together landcarers, professionals, experts and key stakeholders who are working to support rich landscapes, vibrant ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices, while strengthening local communities.
WorkSafe - noise basics online workshops
This free, online workshop:
- helps you check if noise is a problem on your farm
- provides practical tools and tips to protect you and your team from injury.
Date and time: Thursday 3 September, 9 am – 12 pm
Date and time: Wednesday 9 September, 1–4 pm
Wearing safety gear like earmuffs can reduce your risk of injury, but relying on it alone is not enough. Review your work and try to reduce the noise first.
Use safety gear, or PPE, as part of your plan – not as the only plan.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Food & Fibre Gippsland's events on their website.
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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