H5 bird flu in NSW

Infected wildlife might look very sick or show no signs of disease at all. Birds can also die suddenly. For wild birds, signs may include difficulty standing, walking or flying, breathing problems, unusual head or neck posture, or sudden death.

Different species may show different signs. Be alert for sick or dead birds (or other animals), particularly where multiple birds are affected in the same location.

If you're unsure and see sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them. Always contact your vet if you have concerns for your pets and report unusual sickness or deaths in wild birds or other animals via the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

If you find sick or dead birds or wildlife, including marine species:

• Avoid contact
• Record what you see, including the location, number and species of bird (if known) and take a photo or video if safe to do so
• Report it via the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Do not move or dispose of the animal unless instructed to do so. If you need to dispose of a sick or dead bird for safety reasons, only do so after receiving advice and follow the approved General Public: Disposal of bird carcasses from public and private land guidelines.

Reporting sick or dead birds helps authorities detect disease early, understand its spread, protect wildlife and livestock, and support an effective response. Public reporting is a critical part of surveillance activities across NSW.

When a report is received, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will review and assess the information provided, including the species involved, the number of birds affected, the location, and disease risk factors. Not all reports will require investigation or testing.

Reports that involve higher-risk indicators, such as mass bird deaths, sudden onset of illness, neurological or respiratory signs, proximity to known detections, or affected poultry and waterbird species, are prioritised for further assessment.

Where required, DPIRD may contact the reporter for additional information or arrange collection and testing. DPIRD will confirm positive detections only.

People should avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds. If disposal is necessary to prevent access by children or pets, follow guidance provided by NSW Health and DPIRD.

Assessment times may vary depending on report volumes and operational priorities. Some lower-risk reports may be assessed quickly and receive advice that no further action is required.

If you report a sick or dead bird outside hotline operating hours (8am - 5pm), your report will be reviewed by the next available assessment team. Overnight staff can record your report, but they do not assess cases or issue case numbers.

If the bird or animal is injured and requires urgent wildlife care, contact your local wildlife carer directly for assistance. If the wildlife carer requests a case number, please be aware that this may not be available until your report has been assessed during operating hours.

If the bird has died, submit your report and wait for advice from the assessment team before handling or disposing of the carcass.

If a carcass needs to be disposed of for safety reasons, only do so after receiving advice and follow the approved bird carcass disposal guidance (PDF 206.15KB). Prompt disposal of dead birds, where advised, helps reduce risks to people and pets.