14/08/2026
Your support would be appreciated
You may be aware that a number of cases of H5 Bird Flu has been detected in Tasmania for the first time.
At this stage, authorities have advised there is no evidence of a wider outbreak, and the risk to people remains very low.
As an organisation with members regularly patrolling, training and recreating along Tasmania's coastlines and waterways, Surf Life Saving Tasmania plays an important role as an extra set of eyes on our coastal environment. While members are not required or expected to take any response actions, we do ask clubs and units to help raise awareness and take precautions where necessary.
If members encounter sick or dead birds or wildlife
We appreciate that it may be distressing for members and beach visitors to encounter sick or deceased wildlife. However, to minimise the risk of disease spread, members should not handle or move sick or deceased birds or wildlife unless specifically authorised and appropriately equipped to do so.
Please encourage members and the public to:
Avoid contact with the animal.
Record what they observe, including species (if known), location, number of animals affected, and photos if safe to do so.
Report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.