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Thursday 27 August 2026
Protecting poultry as H5 bird flu response continues
As H5 bird flu continues to spread among wild birds, with detections along most of Victoria’s coast, poultry housing requirements in southern parts of the state have been extended for at least another 28 days.
Poultry owners with 50 or more birds in coastal and southern shires are required to confine their birds as an ongoing precautionary measure to reduce contact with wild birds.
Webinar: H5 bird flu update – backyard poultry and pet birds
When: Friday 28 August, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Where: online
Join us for an update on H5N1 bird flu and Victoria’s preparedness efforts.
Speakers:
- Cameron Bell, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer
- Lisa Brown, veterinary officer
Our speakers will discuss the current situation in Victoria and the potential impacts on backyard poultry and pet birds. We will talk about what signs to look for, how to report sick birds and practical biosecurity measures for your backyard flock.
We will also provide an overview of DEECA’s preparedness and response arrangements, potential biodiversity impacts and the important role communities play in surveillance, preparedness and response.
Importantly, we want this session to be a conversation. We are keen to hear your perspectives, questions and experiences, and to better understand what information, support and practical assistance you may need as we continue to prepare together. The Q&A will be running and the webinar will be recorded.
H5 bird flu - protect your pets
While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it's best to take precautions.
If you're out walking your dog or spending time outdoors:
- Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife
- Don't allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals
- Stop cats from roaming and hunting wildlife
These simple actions help protect pets, wildlife and curbs the spread of disease.
If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to DEECA online.
More information about responsible pet ownership and legal requirements: agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare
The Victorian Plant Pathology Herbarium
Some of the oldest plant disease records in Victoria are stored at AgriBio.
The Victorian Plant Pathology Herbarium is a state reference collection that preserves plant disease specimens and records dating back generations.
Plant pathologists and diagnostic scientists care for the collection, using it to help identify diseases, investigate outbreaks and support Victoria's biosecurity and research efforts.
The collection provides a valuable historical record, helping scientists compare today's plant diseases with specimens collected decades ago.
For National Science Week, we celebrated the people and collections working behind the scenes to protect Victorian agriculture.
Closing date extended - Biosecurity Reference Group
We're looking for diverse voices to help shape Victoria's biosecurity system.
Applications are open for the third term of the Biosecurity Reference Group, which brings together people from across sectors, regions and communities to contribute to the implementation of Victoria's Biosecurity Strategy.
Members have the opportunity to work with industry, communities and government to influence collective action across the biosecurity system and champion biosecurity within their networks.
No previous board experience is required.
Downer cows demand quick action during spring
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region
As spring calving gets underway, livestock producers are reminded that a cow found unable to stand could be suffering from a range of conditions, some of which require urgent treatment.
Early diagnosis can improve the chances of recovery, reduce financial losses and safeguard animal welfare.
‘Downer cows’, as they are known, could be affected by physical injuries, metabolic disease or severe infections, with each requiring a different management approach.
Wimmera farmer fined $15,000 for sheep neglect
Wallup sheep farmer Adrian Schwarz has been fined $15,000 without conviction at Horsham Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay $301.53 in costs in relation to 4 animal cruelty charges involving 11 individual sheep and a flock of 691 sheep.
Investigations at Mr Schwarz’s property commenced in March 2024 following an animal welfare complaint where officers found sheep in long wool, in a bare paddock with no supplementary feed.
Officers witnessed sheep with visible dags, stained wool and suffering from flystrike without treatment during visits.
The officer also conducted body condition scores, hay quality tests and worm burden tests which confirmed mistreatment.
Mr Schwarz was issued with notices to comply under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and provided with information to help him find a shearer.
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.
Agricultural and pastoral society grants now open
The Victorian Government is backing agricultural and pastoral societies to help regional communities come together, support local economies and promote Victorian agriculture.
Minister Settle recently announced the opening of applications for this year’s Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program.
The grants provide successful applicants with up to $10,000.
This can be used to upgrade or build new facilities for community use and showcase project delivery that celebrates Victoria’s agricultural communities, industries and produce.
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.
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.
When: Wednesday 2 September, 7 to 8:15 pm
Where: online.
Are you a new property owner, manage livestock, or want to improve your farm fire preparation? Preparing for bushfire season is essential for all farmers and landholders.
Join Agriculture Victoria's farm fire preparedness webinar. Hear from Kylie Macreadie who will share practical steps, tools, and templates to help you identify risks and develop a farm fire plan.
You'll hear firsthand from a landholder about their experience of fire events, including preparedness, putting plans into action, and recovery afterwards. Gain valuable insights to help prepare your people, property and livestock.
Topics covered
- Preparing farm and livestock infrastructure
- Farm asset inventories and insurance
- Fire preparedness checklists, action plan and map
- Planning for impacts and recovery
- Updating your Property Identification Code (PIC) details
Registration is essential. Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
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.
AI in horticulture workshop
When: Tuesday 8 September, 2:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: Werribee, details provided after registration
Learn from 2 presenters about a wide variety of uses for AI, including:
- the different AI options available – cost, pros and cons etc
- privacy and data protection
- using AI to analyse farm and pack-shed data
- AI in meetings, the pack shed and much more.
Minimal cost input for maximum efficiency output.
The event will be tailored to grower questions – tell us how you would like AI to support your farming operations.
A light meal will be provided.
Managing the spring break
When: Wednesday 21 October, 6:30 to 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 Street, 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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