Fifth confirmed case of H5 bird flu in NSW

The bird was reported by a member of the public. Initial testing was undertaken at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute before confirmation testing was conducted by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

This is the third confirmed detection of H5 bird flu in a native Australian bird in NSW.

The first two detections were made in two migratory petrels found near Port Stephens in early July. The two subsequent cases were identified in deceased Greater Crested Terns; one found near Narooma on the South Coast and the other near Wentworth in western NSW.

A national surveillance program has been in place since June, strengthening Australia's ability to detect H5 bird flu early and respond rapidly to new detections.

The latest detection will result in the establishment of an enhanced surveillance area around the affected location near Eden. The surveillance area, along with increased testing and monitoring will remain in place for one month.

As part of enhanced surveillance, the NSW Government monitors for sick and dead birds on the ground, on waterways and from the air using drones.

Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or captive birds anywhere in Australia and the risk to human health remains low.

Following the announcement by the Commonwealth Government that an H5 avian influenza vaccine has been approved for use in native birds, the NSW Government is advancing plans to vaccinate priority captive native species to help safeguard vulnerable wildlife populations.

Priority species identified for potential vaccination include little penguins and regent honeyeaters.

Vaccination of other species will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, informed by the available science and evidence, plus disease risk, conservation value and practicalities of vaccination. Vaccination is one tool but is not a silver bullet and is one part of the broader H5 response.

The NSW Government is working with wildlife organisations including Taronga Conservation Society Australia to support the safe delivery and monitoring of the vaccination program.

Public reporting is an important part of the response to bird flu, with calls to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline critical in supporting detection efforts.

If you encounter a suspected sick bird, or marine mammals, avoid contact, record what you see, and report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The detection of a fifth H5 bird flu case in NSW is a reminder of the importance of our ongoing surveillance and preparedness efforts across the state.

“While there continues to be no detections in poultry in NSW, we are working closely with industry, government agencies and wildlife experts to support a coordinated response and protect our poultry sector.

“Protecting both our native wildlife and agricultural industries is the Government’s top priority, and we will continue working closely with industry and wildlife experts to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities across the state.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“We expect to see further cases of H5 bird flu in native wildlife as the virus continues to spread, and our focus is on minimising its impact on vulnerable species and populations.

“Our wildlife response is built around understanding which species and places are most at risk.

“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.”