H5 bird flu kills dolphin on Victoria coast
A dolphin near Port Fairy tested positive for H5 bird flu, confirming the virus has crossed from birds to marine mammals.
A common dolphin washed up near Port Fairy on Wednesday tested positive for H5 bird flu, the same dolphin detected with the virus earlier this month. The dolphin had washed back out to sea before washing ashore again this week.
DEECA crews buried it on site. H5 has now spread beyond birds to mammals on the south-west coast.
The virus has been found in Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Hamilton, Hawkesdale, Portland and Nelson since July 30. Chief biodiversity officer James Todd warned that the virus can spread from infected wild birds to other animals.
He urged people not to touch sick, injured or dead marine mammals and birds.
- July 30, 2026
- Date H5 first detected in Victoria
- Common dolphin
- Dolphin type
Why it mattersH5 reaching marine life signals the virus is spreading wider and faster than initially feared, raising risks for other coastal wildlife and ecosystems.
AustraliaVictorians swimming or working along the south-west coast should avoid contact with dead or sick dolphins, seals and seabirds as the virus continues to spread.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
