Fears mass bird deaths in south-west Victoria linked to bird flu

Mass bird deaths in south-west Victoria are raising concerns that the H5N1 virus may be to blame, as authorities struggle to manage the situation. In the Portland region, locals have discovered hundreds of dead or dying birds since Sunday and are demanding stronger government action. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is being asked for a comment on the matter.

Hundreds of carcasses are scattered along a beach in Portland, where residents are removing them to prevent the spread of bird flu. Authorities have yet to confirm if the deaths are linked to the H5 bird flu, but the first case of the deadly strain in Victoria was recorded in Portland last July. Portland resident Kate Howman witnessed about 30 dead or dying crested terns along a 1.5-kilometer stretch of beach on Sunday.

She observed that many birds were not dead but were wobbling on their feet and struggling to move. Howman expressed concern that stagnant birds could contaminate other wildlife as they lie among other birds, potentially spreading the virus. Joshua Pierce from the Port Danger committee of management stated that birds like seagulls and Pacific gulls may come into contact with the dead carcasses, risking further transmission of bird flu.

Environmental advocacy group Victorian Wildlife Alliance's David Mould described the scene as one of the most devastating he has witnessed in wildlife over the past 20 years. Agriculture Victoria advises against contact with infected birds and recommends proper disposal methods for carcasses. Portland local Skye Stevenson followed the advice and disposed of a dead bird on her bonfire, citing the proximity to her guinea fowl cage.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is awaiting a response regarding the ongoing bird flu crisis.