Temporary changes for some visitor activities and accommodation are in place for Barunguba Montague Island on the NSW Far South Coast following an increase in the number of sick and dead birds on and around the island.
The NSW Government has confirmed an H5 avian influenza (bird flu) event on the island, after a sample was taken from a silver gull.
The changes to visitor activities are part of measures to manage the risks associated with H5 bird flu and to protect both visitors and wildlife.
As a precaution, access to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service accommodation on the island is temporarily unavailable, and some visitor activities have been adjusted.
Day tour activities continue to operate, with safety and hygiene measures in place. Visitors can still safely enjoy the island’s unique wildlife and learn about its rich natural and cultural history.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), continues to monitor the situation closely and assess risks.
The temporary changes will be adjusted as conditions change.
Scheduled vaccination of little penguins on Barunguba Montague Island is expected to continue.
Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or Little Penguins and the risk to human health remains low.
Visitors and the community are reminded:
- AVOID – Keep yourself, others and pets safe. Do not touch sick or dead wildlife or make direct or indirect contact with their immediate environment.
- RECORD – If safe to do so, note the number of animals affected, species, location, date and time. Take photos from a safe distance.
- REPORT – Report multiple sick or dead wild animals via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline online reporting form
