The Minns Government is responding to three new events of H5 bird flu after samples were taken from greater crested terns at Port Kembla and Warriewood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, as well as a Hutton’s shearwater at Corindi in Coffs Harbour.
This is the first confirmed detection in a shearwater bird in NSW.
There are no signs of any mass mortality in the area or anywhere else in NSW and surveillance is continuing so we can detect any further cases early.
As of 3 September 2026, there are 20 H5 bird events in NSW and 468 across Australia.
Given 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.
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, captive birds or any other birds native to NSW and the risk to human health remains low.
The Government is continuing to receive many calls to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline and key stakeholders are being briefed regularly on the current situation.
The NSW Government has commenced a rollout of targeted vaccinations for vulnerable species of birds to help protect them against H5 avian influenza.
A combination of insurance populations in captivity, and wild populations of birds, are in the process of being vaccinated. This includes the Little Penguins in Manly and Barunguba Montague Island.
If you see 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 there is at this stage only a voluntary housing recommendation for poultry birds.
Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:
“We are deeply concerned about the impact that H5 bird flu could have on our native wildlife.
“No government policy can stop this virus form spreading through our wild bird populations. What we can do to support our wildlife is vaccinate insurance populations, protect their habitat and eliminate invasive species.
“The public also has an important role to play by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and reporting them to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, helping us detect new cases and target our surveillance efforts.”
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“NSW so far has 20 H5 bird events, while the rest of Australia has more than 460, and there have been no mass mortality or poultry bird events.
“Our focus is on preparedness, surveillance and responding to events quickly.
“Now is the time for everyone who has backyard chickens or pet birds in aviaries to take precautionary steps to ensure there are no interactions between their chooks and pets with wild birds.
“The Government also recommends people be careful with their dogs when walking on beaches or parks and ensure they don’t eat carcasses or chase wild birds. There is low risk of exposure but it’s important to minimise any risk for your pets”.
