Due to the recent discovery of H5N1 HPAI Avian Influenza within 50km of our clinic, we are implementing increased biosecurity measures at Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic. Please call (03) 9764 9000 before entering if the clinic if you bird is exhibiting the following symptoms: For Poultry (chicken, duck, peafowl, geese): sudden drop in egg production lethargy or not eating/drinking swollen head or limbs bruising on comb, feet, or skin breathing issues or runny nose sudden de

H5N1 - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza FAQ

Last update for this post: 11/08/2026 What is avian influenza? The avian influenza viruses (AIVs) belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae and are highly contagious diseases of birds. There are several viruses that belong to this group and are classified as high pathogenic (HPAI) or low pathogenic (LPAI) based on their ability to cause disease in birds. Viruses that at LPAI may cause minimal disease, while HPAI strains can cause widespread sudden death across several species. Ch