H5 avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in seven birds in Narooma and Merimbula, across six different bird flu events on the NSW South Coast.
Given the spread of bird flu across Australia, NSW is now moving to the nationally consistent reporting system of events rather than individual cases. An event is a single investigation that may involve one or more birds. It considers factors such as location, timing, species and other investigation findings.
To date, eleven H5 bird flu events have been reported in NSW, including eight on the Far South Coast.
Bird flu events so far in NSW are as follows:
- Event one: Giant Petrel near Hawks Nest
- Event two: Giant Petrel near Hawks Nest
- Event three: Greater Crested Tern near Narooma
- Event four: Greater Crested Tern near Wentworth
- Event five: Greater Crested Tern near Eden.
New events announced today:
- Event six: Greater Crested Terns near Narooma
- Event seven: Greater Crested Terns near Narooma
- Event eight: Giant Petrel near Narooma
- Event nine: Two Greater Crested Terns near Merimbula
- Event ten: Greater Crested Terns near Merimbula
- Event eleven: Greater Crested Terns near Merimbula.
The NSW Government is progressing plans to vaccinate priority captive native species as part of efforts to protect vulnerable wildlife populations from H5 bird flu.
Species identified as priorities for potential vaccination include little penguins and regent honeyeaters.
Decisions on vaccinating other species will be made on a case-by-case basis, guided by the latest science and evidence, and considering factors such as disease risk, conservation significance and the practicalities of vaccine delivery.
While vaccination is an important tool, it is not a standalone solution and forms just one part of the broader response to H5 bird flu.
Since June, a national surveillance program has strengthened Australia’s ability to detect H5 bird flu early and respond quickly, with the latest detection triggering enhanced surveillance in the surrounding area, including monitoring by ground crews, drones and on waterways.
Public reporting is a critical part of the response, with calls to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline helping to support detection efforts.
Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or captive birds anywhere in Australia and the risk to human health remains low.
