A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle, was confirmed positive on the weekend for H5 high pathogenicity (H5 bird flu) avian influenza in laboratory tests by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
The positive test is the first confirmed detection of H5 in New South Wales.
There is no evidence of spread to local wildlife and H5 bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds in NSW. To date H5 bird flu in NSW is limited to this single case in a migratory seabird.
The risk to human health remains low.
NSW response
In response to this positive result, the NSW government has implemented its H5 Bird Flu Response Plan, including:
- advice to commercial poultry producers (consistent with that of the Consultative Committee for Emergency Animal Diseases) recommending heightened biosecurity measures and, as a precaution measure, voluntary housing of free-range poultry (where practicable and while maintaining acceptable animal welfare)
- ramped up surveillance operations with drones and on-ground efforts deployed to target high risk areas over the weekend and into the coming weeks
- deploying additional staff to support industry and the community, with more 500 staff across government trained to assist efforts, and
- working closely with the Australian government and following the agreed national arrangements.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is coordinating NSW Government efforts from the State Coordination Centre at Orange Agricultural Institute. To date, there are six confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in Australia, one in NSW, four in Western Australia and one in South Australia.
If unusual deaths or illness in wild birds are observed please AVOID contact, RECORD by taking photos or video and REPORT immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Plan in place
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said, ‘The NSW government has been preparing for a positive result for some time and there is a clear plan in place to support industry and the community.
‘At this stage the result is limited to a single migratory seabird and has not impacted our poultry sector or domestic wildlife. There is no impact on the supply of chicken meat or eggs and I would encourage everyone to purchase these products as they normally would.
“I want to thank the community and industry for their cooperation and engagement and assure them the NSW Government is ready to support them.’
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe said, ‘This confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza in a giant petrel was detected as a result of our surveillance activities, which included increased awareness and advice to the public to report sick or dead birds or wildlife.
‘It demonstrates that our biosecurity system based on the principle of shared responsibility is operating effectively.
‘I thank the broader community, NSW government staff, the veterinary community, wildlife sector and our poultry industries who are all working together to detect cases early and avoid any onward spread.’
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