If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them. If there are multiple dead birds or other animals, take photos or a video.
Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Why report
It is important to report any dead or sick animals showing signs of bird flu so that we can detect the virus early.
Reporting early:
- helps us detect H5 bird flu early
- supports a quick response
- builds on our understanding of the disease.
This includes:
- poultry and pet birds including backyard poultry (like chickens, ducks and aviary birds)
- wild birds and other animals
- feral animals like chickens, cats or rats
- marine mammals like seals and sea lions.
When to report
If you spot sick or dead birds or other animals you should report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline as soon as possible. Record what you see (but don't touch them or let your pets get too close) and include:
- date and time
- location (GPS pin, nearby roads, or landmarks)
- type or description of birds or animals
- how many birds or other animals are sick or dead
- what they look like (e.g. freshly dead or just bones, signs of disease)
- if safe, take photos or ideally a video.
Report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals.
Call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
What happens after you make a report
When you report sick or dead birds or other animals, the details you share are reviewed. This may lead to further investigation such as:
- a site visit
- sample collection for bird flu testing.
Other ways to report suspected bird flu
State and territory
- New South Wales - Report a pest or disease
- Victoria – Report sick or dead wild birds and wildlife
- Queensland - Report a biosecurity pest or disease or call Biosecurity Queensland on 132 523
- South Australia - Reporting animal disease - PIRSA
- Western Australia - Avian influenza: Signs and how to report
- Tasmania - Report Sick or Dead Birds
- Northern Territory - Report a wild bird disease (wild birds only)
- Australian Capital Territory – Contact ACT biosecurity
Reporting on Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
- This is an international call from Norfolk Island, so dial 0061 before the number or call the Norfolk Island Regional Council on 0100 (9am to 4pm) for assistance placing the call. When prompted, choose Option 2 for your location.
- For Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands – when prompted, choose Option 5 for your location.