Thursday 30 July 2026

H5N1 avian influenza strain detected in Victoria

The high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) has been detected in Victoria.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said this detection is a result of Australia’s response to H5 bird flu, with the Victorian Government undertaking surveillance for the disease and working closely with the Commonwealth, interstate jurisdictions and industry partners. 

‘Preliminary testing has indicated H5 bird flu in a single greater crested tern found in Portland. 

Further genetic testing is underway at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong to formally confirm this result.’ Dr Cooke said. 

‘This follows confirmation of the disease in seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, and the national decision that H5 bird flu is no longer technically feasible to eradicate in wildlife.’

‘Following weeks of enhanced readiness, we have now enacted Victoria’s State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan. Based on international experience, this H5 variant differs from previous strains and has been known to cause large numbers of deaths in wild birds and some mammals.’

‘Our plans aim to limit impacts where possible particularly on our most threatened species, while also supporting our farmers and reducing risk to domestic and commercial poultry. 

‘We need Victorians to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, record what they see and report it. 

Early reporting gives us the best chance to reduce the impacts of the disease,’ Dr Cooke said.

• AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment
• RECORD what you see and where you saw it. 
• REPORT it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Recent rain reminder to check dams and plan ahead

Ben Muller, Agriculture Recovery Officer, Wodonga

Following the significant rain across the north east now is a good time to inspect your farm dams and plan ahead.

After a drier-than-average start to winter, the season has turned around with many dams now at capacity, making it the ideal time to inspect their structural integrity.

Check for any build-up of debris or vegetation in the spillway area that may obstruct flow, as well as signs of water overtopping the dam wall.

Overtopping can weaken the structure and lead to dam failure.

Ideally, there should be at least 1 metre of freeboard to ensure overflow exits via the spillway.

Freeboard is the height between the water full supply level and the top of the dam wall.

Full dams offer a great opportunity to calculate storage capacity and plan your summer water needs and water budget ahead of drier conditions.

National Biosecurity Week coming up

National Biosecurity Week 2026 takes place from 24-30 August and highlights the crucial role biosecurity plays in safeguarding our food supply, agricultural industries, communities, environment and the economy. 

7 days of awareness, 365 days of action.

Mallee Machinery Field Days - Speed

We're back at site 130 at the Mallee Machinery Field Days on 5-6 August and looking forward to seeing you there too!

Concerned about locusts? Dr Kyla Finlay, Victoria’s Plague Locust Commissioner will be attending.

You can also have a chat to our teams about grains, soil moisture monitoring, pests and weeds, drought and recovery support.

Drop by our marquee for advice and resources on a whole host of topics.

150 ducks now tracking across Australia

An important milestone has been reached with more than 150 Victorian game ducks now fitted with tracking devices as part of the largest study of duck movement and survivorship undertaken in Australia.

Since June 2025, the Game Management Authority and Deakin University have been attaching small solar-powered satellite tracking devices to four game duck species (Pacific Black Duck, Australian Wood Duck, Grey Teal and Chestnut Teal) to better understand their movements, survival and behaviours.

Data collected up to January 2026 from 62 tracked ducks shows that most individuals remained relatively close to their capture locations. However, there were a few interesting exceptions.

None of the tracked Wood Ducks moved more than 50 km from their capture and release sites. In contrast, a small number of Pacific Black Ducks, Grey Teal and Chestnut Teal undertook long-distance nocturnal flights of more than 200km to potential breeding areas.

The longest recorded movement to date was by a Pacific Black Duck, which travelled 470 km north of where it was captured, into New South Wales.

These movements suggest a spatially complex population structure.

Support to help you reset and recover after drought

Victorian 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.

Bushfire recovery grants and concessional loans

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.

Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants

Locust spring update for north-west Victoria

Prepare now for possible locust activity in spring.

• The Mallee has a moderate to high chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in late September onwards.
• The Wimmera has a low to moderate chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in early October onwards.

Land managers are responsible for controlling locusts on their land.

The best time to control locusts is about 2 weeks after hatching, when they are young and can't yet fly.

Land managers can also help by checking paddocks and reporting any signs of locusts.

Reporting helps improve forecasting and supports control decisions.

This advice is for people in Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera.

Bushfire recovery events

Our team will be on hand for a chat at upcoming fire recovery events and activities.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Euroa Special Sale, Wednesday 5 August

2026 Victorian Landcare Forum

When: Monday 31 August – Wednesday 2 September, 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham VIC 3810

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.

Program and streams to be announced soon.

What's On

GRDC: Managing waterlogging risk - insights from recent research

When: Wednesday 11 August, 1–1:45 pm
Where: online

Presenters:

• Meixue Zhou – University of Tasmania
• Malcolm McCaskill – Agriculture Victoria 
• Matthew Harrison – University of Tasmania 

Waterlogging can take a toll on yield, but the impact varies depending on paddock, season and crop. This session will reveal recent research to understand the yield impact of various levels of waterlogging on canola, faba bean and barley. We’ll also look at the costs and benefits of management options such as raised beds, land forming and subsurface drainage.

The focus will be on helping growers better understand their risk and make informed decisions about long-term waterlogging management and investment. 

Save the date: Getting ready for spring workshops

When: Friday 14 August, 10:15 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Tallangatta Football Netball Club, 2C Akuna Avenue, Tallangatta

When: Monday 17 August, 10:15 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Shamrock Hotel, 5–13 Melville Street, Numurkah

When: Tuesday 18 August, 10:15 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Cohuna Bowls Club, Tennis Court Road, Cohuna

When: Tuesday 18 August, 6:30–8:30 pm
Where: KyClub, 82 Allan Street, Kyabram

Come along to hear the season and irrigation forecast and pick up ideas for making the most of spring and beyond.

• Dale Grey from Agriculture Victoria will discuss the seasonal forecast and what this could mean for the season ahead.
• Andrew Shield from Goulburn Murray Water will explain the current irrigation determinations and outlook for the 2026/27 season. 
• Dennis Watson from Agriculture Victoria will run through the irrigation checklist and tips on making the most out of your irrigation water. 
• Phil Shannon farm consultant, will explore the options available to your business and how you can implement these to make the most of the coming spring and beyond.

Registration is essential for catering purposes.

Email Richard Smith, Regional Manager Dairy Northern richard.m.smith@agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information

Future ready your farm business

When: Tuesday 18 August, 8:30 am – 12 pm
Where: Elmore Recreation Reserve, 2 Elmore-Mitiamo Road, Elmore

When: Wednesday 19 August, 8:30 am –12 pm
Where: Raywood Town Hall, 50 Inglewood Street, Raywood

Agriculture Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo invite you to join a FREE 3-hour event to hear from Cath and Adam Jenkins from Rural People Co. A workshop aimed at helping farm business owners build confidence in leading people, have better conversations and plan for the future.

Morning tea and light lunch provided. Email zoe.tsenalidis@agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information.

Get RIC Ready free webinar 

When: Wednesday 19 August, 12 pm
Where: online

RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is hosting a free online Get RIC Ready webinar to help you understand if a RIC low interest loan is right for you and get prepared to apply, so you can take the next step with confidence.   

The webinar is for farmers, advisers and industry representatives keen to find out more about RIC loan eligibility, how to apply, and how RIC loans can help farmers in financial need. 

RIC Agri Lending Specialists and Rural Financial Counsellors will lead the session to answer your most frequently asked questions.   

Can’t attend the live event? Register anyway and RIC will send you the webinar recording. 

Buying livestock with confidence

When: Friday 28 August, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Yea saleyards

Join VFF Stock Sense at Yea Saleyards for a free practical workshop designed to help small landholders buy cattle, sheep or goats with confidence.

A stock agent/saleyard representative will cover choosing livestock to suit your property and experience level and what to consider when buying through saleyards, private sales or online platforms.

An Agriculture Victoria representative will also cover key PIC, NLIS, traceability and biosecurity requirements to help you bring new livestock home safely and avoid common compliance mistakes.

Future-proof your family farm business - Hopetoun

When: 3–4 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Hopetoun Golf Club, Hopetoun-Rainbow Road, Hopetoun

Hopetoun farmers are invited to a free 2-day workshop.

Learn practical planning skills to help prepare your farm business for the future. Build strategies to manage climate risk, strengthen resilience and create a more adaptable business.

Presenter Dr Kate Burke is an independent farm consultant, agri-strategist and educator. Kate has extensive experience in farm business management and works with farming families and businesses across a range of areas.

BCG’s Main Field Day 2026

When: Wednesday 9 September, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Main Research Site at Birchip

Succession planning

When: Thursday 17 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Corryong Events Centre, 54 Strzelecki Way, Corryong

When: Friday 18 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Yarck Hall, 6583 Maroondah Highway, Yarck

Farm business owners, partners and family members are invited to a free 1-day workshop to learn how to plan a smooth transition of their family farm.

Presented by Dr Kate Burke, an independent consultant with extensive experience in coaching and facilitating farm business strategy. 

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

Privacy | Disclaimer

This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe now.