The NSW Government is responding to eight new events of H5 bird flu after samples were taken from Greater Crested Terns at Randwick, Cronulla, Port Botany, Milton, Berry, Kiama and Forster, and a Myna in Berry.
Surveillance is continuing across the state so any further cases can be detected early.
These new events take NSW to a total of 40 H5 bird flu events. There are 542 reported across Australia.
A national surveillance plan is in operation to monitor for any further detections and facilitate rapid, coordinated response.
Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or captive birds and the risk to human health remains low.
These events are not unexpected, and the NSW Government is well prepared for H5 bird flu.
Most detections have been in various species of terns, and this is likely because they gather in large groups along the NSW coast, making it easier for bird flu to spread between the birds.
The NSW Government is reminding people with backyard poultry and pet birds to:
- maintain clean housing for birds
- provide clean, chlorinated domestic water and keep birds away from natural water sources
- limit wild bird contact and place food and water inside shelters
- quarantine new birds.
Dog and cat owners should also undertake basic biosecurity measures such as:
- keepings dogs on a leash in wildlife areas where birds are found
- keeping cats indoors or in secure enclosures
- reducing contact between pets and wildlife
- washing your hands with soap and water before and after handling birds or other animals.
The NSW Government is continuing to receive many calls and online reports to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline and key stakeholders are being briefed regularly.
If a person sees sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu – AVOID contact, RECORD what you see, REPORT it via the online reporting form or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline – 1800 675 888.
The NSW Government continues to work closely with Australian and State and Territory governments to roll out the plans developed with industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations.
The Chief Veterinary Officer has advised the poultry industry that at this stage there is a housing recommendation for poultry.
Given the extent of the spread of bird flu across Australia, NSW now reports detections under the nationally consistent event system, where a single investigation may involve one or more birds and considers factors such as location, timing, species and other findings.
For more information about H5 bird flu visit the NSW Government’s dedicated webpage: Bird Flu (H5 avian influenza)
Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:
“H5 bird flu will continue to pose a serious challenge for native bird populations.
“The NSW Government is continuing targeted vaccination of vulnerable species, as well as surveillance and preparedness to reduce the risk of further impacts on our native wildlife.
“If you see a sick or dead bird, do not approach it. Record the details from a safe distance and report it through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.”
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“Pet owners can help protect their animals by keeping cats contained, keeping dogs on a leash around wildlife, and avoiding situations where pets may come into contact with wild birds or animals.
“If you keep backyard chickens or birds, make sure feed and water are not accessible to wild birds, keep birds separated from wild birds where possible, and maintain good hygiene around enclosures.
“The most important thing is to stay alert for signs of illness in your birds and report any unusual sickness or deaths promptly to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, helping to protect your own animals and the wider community.”
