Two more cases of H5 bird flu have been identified in New South Wales, marking the first time an Australian native bird has tested positive for the virus in the state.
Samples from two deceased Greater Crested Terns, one found near Narooma on the South Coast and the other near Wentworth in Western NSW, tested positive at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. Both birds were reported by members of the public to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and sampled by the State Government’s H5 response team.
It brings the total number of NSW cases to four. The first two were detected in migratory petrels found near Port Stephens in the Hunter region in early July, the first confirmed H5 detections in the state. Surveillance work is continuing at Narooma and Wentworth to catch any further cases early.
The NSW findings follow a sharp rise in South Australia, where more than 80 birds, mostly terns, have tested positive in a short period. Australia now has 215 confirmed detections of H5 bird flu nationally, part of a national surveillance plan running since June.
Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry or captive birds anywhere in Australia, and authorities say the risk to human health remains low. Anyone who sees a sick or dead bird, or marine mammal, is urged to avoid contact and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
