The NSW Government is responding to three new events of H5 bird flu after samples were taken from Greater crested terns at Batemans Bay and Broulee and a Silver gull in Eden. A number of Greater crested terns have also tested positive but are additions to existing events.
Surveillance is continuing across the state so we can detect any further cases early.
These new events bring NSW to a total of 25 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, captive birds or any other birds native to NSW and the risk to human health remains low.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Jo Coombe said the additional detections were not unexpected given the presence of H5 bird flu in wild bird populations.
“These latest detections reinforce why ongoing surveillance and community reporting are so important as we continue to monitor the spread of H5 bird flu in wild birds across NSW,” Dr Coombe said.
“Our teams are using the intelligence gained from investigations and positive detections to understand the distribution of H5 bird flu.
“We are asking the public not to handle sick or dead birds. If you come across affected wildlife, keep your distance, keep pets away and report it immediately through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.”
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 at this stage there is a housing recommendation for poultry.
