TMAG suspends public intake of bird and mammal specimens as a precaution against H5 bird flu risk

15 July 2026

Members of the community are asked to no longer bring dead birds or mammals to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) for the State Collection given the recent detection of H5 Avian Influenza on the Australian mainland.

The decision to suspend the intake of bird and mammal specimens is a precautionary one and will remain in place until further notice.

While H5 bird flu has not been detected in Tasmania at this stage, its presence in Australia represents a serious and evolving wildlife health issue.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Director, Mary Mulcahy, said as Tasmania’s state repository for biodiversity, TMAG holds nationally significant collections documenting the state’s natural heritage.

“A key part of TMAG’s role is receiving animal specimens for identification, research and long-term preservation but we don’t want anyone putting themselves at unnecessary risk,” Ms Mulcahy said.

“The emergence of H5 bird flu introduces a potential health risk associated with handling wildlife specimens, including both bird and mammal species.

“While well-meaning members of the community often bring us dead animals they have come across, the safety of TMAG staff, volunteers and visitors to our research facilities remains our highest priority.

“Echoing broader Tasmanian and Commonwealth Government advice, if you come across a sick or dead bird or mammal, please leave it alone and please don’t bring it to TMAG – report it to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline as soon as possible​,” she said.

TMAG continues to review and strengthen safety measures for staff who work with bird and mammal specimens.

Ms Mulcahy said in light of H5 bird flu discoveries in Australia, TMAG was working closely with relevant agencies to protect staff, safeguard collections and reduce any risk to members of the public.

“TMAG continues to closely monitor the situation and adapt its practices if and as public health and wildlife management advice changes,” Ms Mulcahy said.

“We thank the community for its understanding and cooperation as we prioritise safety and the protection of Tasmania’s unique natural heritage,” she said.

**Members of the community can report sick or dead animal and bird discoveries to the Tasmanian Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888 or through the online reporting form​. For more information, https://nre.tas.gov.au/about-the-department/news/be-aware-of-bird-flu