Three new H5 bird flu events have been detected on the NSW North Coast, with infected terns found at Bonny Hills, Jetty Beach and Boomerang Beach.
The North Coast cases are among five new events confirmed across NSW, with another tern detected at Booker Bay on the Central Coast and a silver gull on Barunguba Montague Island on the Far South Coast.
The latest detections bring the number of H5 bird flu events in NSW to 45, with 542 reported across Australia.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the latest detections highlighted the importance of continued monitoring.
“The detection of five new H5 bird flu events in NSW is not unexpected and underscores the importance of our ongoing surveillance program.” said Moriarty.
“NSW is well-prepared to respond, and we will continue to closely monitor the situation. Early reporting remains one of our best tools for tracking disease activity and protecting the health of wildlife, poultry and other animals across the state.
“I thank the many community members who have reported sick and dead wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline or reported it through the online form. Their continued vigilance is helping us detect cases early and respond appropriately.”
Surveillance is continuing across NSW to detect further cases early, while a national surveillance plan remains in place to support a coordinated response.
Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or captive birds and authorities say the risk to human health remains low.
Most detections have involved species of terns, which often gather in large groups along the NSW coast, making it easier for the virus to spread between birds.
The Chief Veterinary Officer has advised the poultry industry there is currently a recommendation to house poultry.
North Coast residents with backyard poultry and pet birds are being urged to maintain clean housing, provide clean chlorinated domestic water, keep birds away from natural water sources, limit contact with wild birds and quarantine new birds.
Dog owners should keep their pets on a leash in wildlife areas where birds are present, while cats should be kept indoors or in secure enclosures.
People are also advised to reduce contact between pets and wildlife and wash their hands with soap and water before and after handling birds or other animals.
The detection on Barunguba Montague Island has prompted the NSW Government to contact tourism operators about temporary changes to some access and activities.
Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said the government would continue efforts to protect native wildlife.
“It is terrible H5 bird flu has reached Barunguba Montague Island, which is home to many bird species and marine mammals. We will work with the tourism industry to minimise the impacts on tours of the island.” said Sharpe.
“The NSW Government will continue the H5 bird flu vaccination program on Barunguba, as well as in other key populations, as we try to protect our native species.”
Anyone who sees sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu should avoid contact, record what they see and report it through the NSW Government’s online reporting form or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
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