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Thursday 24 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).
Requirement to prevent poultry contact with wild birds extended
As H5 bird flu continues to spread among wild birds along much of Victoria's coastline, the requirement for targeted biosecurity measures to be implemented in southern parts of the state has been extended for another 28 days from 19 September 2026.
Under the requirement, those who own or are in control of 50 or more poultry in southern local government areas, including metropolitan Melbourne, must continue to confine their birds in a manner to prevent contact with wild birds, their droppings and any environments accessed by wild birds.
Supporting H5 preparedness and poultry welfare reforms
With H5 bird flu continuing to pose a biosecurity threat, the Victorian Government is giving poultry producers more time to prepare for new poultry welfare regulations.
The regulations will now be introduced in mid-2027, allowing industry and government to maintain their immediate focus on H5 preparedness and biosecurity.
The existing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Domestic Fowl) Regulations 2016 will apply during the extension.
New H5 bird flu cases detected in fur seals
New cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in two fur seals in Victoria following ongoing surveillance activities and reports from the community.
One deceased Long-nosed fur seal was identified on Gabo Island on the eastern Victorian coast through community reports last week.
Specialist veterinarians were deployed to the island to assess the animal and collect samples, which later confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu.
Investigating wildlife deaths on Port Phillip Bay’s Mud Islands
Testing has returned a negative result for H5 bird flu at Mud Islands in Port Phillip Bay, after aerial surveillance identified a small number of dead pelicans.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) completed further ground surveillance last week and sampled the pelicans.
The negative result for bird flu at Mud Islands contributes to our ongoing efforts to monitor how bird flu is spreading and where we can expect to see further impacts.
We will continue monitoring Mud Islands and other significant areas.
Plan ahead for the fire season
The Inquiry into the January 2026 bushfires found that ‘Strategically located water tanks can assist in protecting assets during major fire events, particularly where mains water supplies fail or natural water sources are limited’.
Your plan should include consideration for your water supply failing.
If this happens, then having access to full water tanks in key locations around the farm will help protect your assets.
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.
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.
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
Is your farm business eligible for a RIC loan?
RIC low-interest loans support Australian farm businesses involved in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural (beekeeping) or aquacultural industries.
They have compiled an overview of the eligible industries on their website.
Before you apply, visit the website to check if your farm business is an eligible industry.
Online Farm Business Program
When: 6 weeks starting Wednesday 14 October, 12–2:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
The online Farm Business program helps farmers strengthen knowledge and skills to better manage variable climate risks effectively.
Farm business consultants Rural People Co will be facilitating the program covering 5 modules on:
- identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals
- financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making
- climate risk and natural resource management
- managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety
- business planning.
As part of completing the course, participants will be offered a one-on-one session with Adam Jenkins from Rural People Co to review their business plan. These sessions will be held between module 4 and 5.
More information: Richard Smith (richard.m.smith@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0436 803 765).
The Farm Business Resilience program is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Victorian Government through the Future Drought Fund.
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.
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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