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Two more cases of H5 avian influenza have been identified in NSW, bringing the total number of confirmed detections across Australia to 215.
Samples from two deceased greater crested terns, one found near Narooma on the South Coast, and the other near Wentworth in western NSW, tested positive after members of the public reported the birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. It is the first time an Australian native bird has tested positive for H5 bird flu in NSW.
The NSW government said surveillance work would continue at the sites to ensure early detection of any further cases.
“These positive cases are not unexpected,” NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said. “We have been preparing for a situation like this, and we remain well equipped to respond to manage further impacts.
“We are using the best available data and tools to target actions for our most at-risk wildlife species and important natural places.”
Four birds in NSW have returned a positive result for H5 bird flu, with the first two being migratory petrel birds found near Port Stephens in early July.
Although there have been no detections of bird flu in commercial poultry flocks in Australia, the state Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the poultry industry had been preparing for this and was across the risks and actions required.
“We are continuing to work with our industry partners, including key agricultural and wildlife stakeholders, ensuring the community have up-to-date information about our surveillance and response to detections of H5 bird flu,” she said.
The government said that people who saw sick or dead birds and other animals should not touch them, but instead record their location, take photos and videos and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
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Ellie Busby is a Parramatta reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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