The NSW Government is responding to one new event of H5 bird flu after a sample taken from a tern at Dolls Point in Sydney’s south returned a positive result.
Surveillance is continuing across the state so we can detect any further events early.
This new event brings NSW to a total of 56 H5 bird flu events.
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 or captive birds and the risk to human health remains low.
This event is not unexpected and the NSW Government is well prepared for H5 bird flu.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is reminding pet owners to take extra steps to boost their safety by:
- keepings dogs on a leash in wildlife areas
- 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.
Backyard poultry and bird owners are reminded 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.
The Government is continuing to receive many calls and online reports to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline and key stakeholders are being briefed regularly on the current situation.
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 there is a housing recommendation for poultry.
