Published on Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 11:19:48 AM
The Shire of Gingin is encouraging residents, landholders, poultry owners and visitors to remain alert and report any sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife following the confirmed detection of H5N1 high pathogenicity Avian Influenza in migratory seabirds in Western Australia. Reporting signs of Avian Flu will help protect the biosecurity of The Shire of Gingin.
H5N1 avian influenza, also known as H5 bird flu, is a serious and highly contagious strain of bird flu that has affected wild birds, poultry and some mammals overseas. It has been detected for the first time in Australia on the South Coast of Western Australia. Australian and Western Australian authorities have advised that current detections are limited to migratory seabirds, with no detections in poultry and no evidence of large-scale animal deaths currently.
What the Community Should Do:
- Avoid contact with sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife.
- Do not collect, move, dispose of or transport carcasses.
- Record the location, date and time, and take photos or video from a safe distance if possible.
- Report sightings of multiple sick or dead birds or other wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
- Poultry owners should review biosecurity practices, limit contact between poultry and wild birds, and report unusual illness or deaths in their flock.
Advice for Poultry Owners:
Backyard and commercial poultry owners are encouraged to report signs of Avian Influenza. Practical steps include keeping poultry feed and water away from wild birds, restricting unnecessary visitors to bird areas, cleaning footwear and equipment, and monitoring birds daily for signs of illness.
Signs in poultry can include sudden death, respiratory signs such as coughing or difficulty breathing, signs such as loss of coordination or inability to stand, reduced egg production, swelling around the head, diarrhea, or unusual quietness and loss of appetite.
How to Report Sick or Dead Birds/Wildlife:
To report sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Further Information:
Visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development here: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-primary-industries-and-regional-development/avian-influenza
Visit the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry here: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu
Media Contacts:
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
T: (08) 9575 5100
E: media@gingin.wa.gov.au
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