CONFIRMED bird flu cases on the Mornington Peninsula have climbed to 24, with the City of Frankston recording three cases.
Cases have been recorded in Blairgowrie, Dromana, Capel Sound, McCrae, Mt Eliza, Portsea, Pt Leo, Rosebud, Rye, Safety Beach, Sorrento, and St Andrews Beach.
The species where bird flue has been detected widened last week. Previously alldetections had been in either greater crested terns or silver gulls. Last week, there were single recorded events involving Australasian gannet, a black-faced cormorant and a little penguin at St Andrews Beach.
The Frankston detections have been in greater crested terns and one silver gull.
There continue to be grave concerns for Western Port Bay’s wetlands that are a critical habitat for wildlife, and home to 65% of threatened bird species in Victoria.
If you find a sick or dead bird that you suspect could have H5 bird flu remember to:
- AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Do not touch, move or approach the bird, and do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
- RECORD what you see, the location the animal was found, and take photos or video (if possible) without approaching the bird.
- REPORT any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
First published in the Mornington News – 8 September 2026
