Environmental Health

Council contracts the services of Mr Gordon Houston - Environmental Health Officer to provide advice and services for the Shire of Victoria Plains.

Mr Houston is available for face-to-face meetings once a fortnight on a Tuesday or alternatively, is available during business hours via email, phone or teams. Please contact the Shire Administration Centre on 9628 7004 for these details.

Should you wish to discuss something at length, an appointment can be made, in which case please contact the Shire Administration Centre on 9628 7004.

Typical health service includes the following:

  • Public Building/Public Event Assessment
  • Waste Management
  • Food Business Registration and Inspection
  • Sewerage Scheme (Calingiri and Yerecoin)
  • Septic Tank Applications and Inspections
  • Pool Inspections

To report any health issues, contact the Shire Office.

H5 Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading the State response following the detection of H5 Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) in Western Australia, in a small number of wild sea birds. Currently there have been no detections of H5 bird flu in poultry and no evidence of other significant mortalities. 

H5 bird flu is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b) that has been affecting wild birds, poultry and wild and domestic mammals (such as seals, cats and dolphins overseas). Australia is the last continent to report H5 bird flu.

The Department of Health WA is leading the human health response and health authorities confirm that the overall risk to human health remains low.

Human Health Guidance and Risk

  • Public Risk: The virus rarely affects humans unless there is direct, close contact with sick or dead infected animals.
  • Symptoms: Can range from mild illness and red, irritated eyes (conjunctivitis) to regular flu-like signs such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties.
  • Safety: Commercial poultry and eggs remain safe to eat if handled and cooked following normal food hygiene standards.

Weekly bird flu updates are provided by the WA Government to inform the public on the current situation in Western Australia. You can find the latest update here: 

Weekly H5 bird flu update

To check for local H5 bird flu detections in wildlife, view the State’s interactive dashboard.

 

What should I do?

If you see sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife:

  • Do not touch or handle the animal.
  • If it is safe to do so, take a photo and record the location.
  • Report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

These reports help DPIRD monitor the situation and support surveillance efforts across Western Australia.

By taking simple steps now before H5 bird flu becomes established, we can help protect our pets, communities and native wildlife.

  • Keep pets away from wildlife – help protect native animals by keeping cats indoors and preventing them from roaming. Always keep dogs on a leash in areas where native wildlife is present. 
  • Keep footwear and clothing clean – when visiting national parks, nature reserves or agricultural areas, clean your shoes and clothing before moving to another location. This helps reduce the risk of spreading diseases between places. 
  • Avoid, record, report – do not touch or move dead birds or other wildlife. If you notice groups of sick or dead animals AVOID, RECORD and REPORT to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline: 1800 675 888. 

 

Link to state resources -

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