Two new cases of bird flu have been recorded in New South Wales, taking the state’s total to four.
But they mark the state’s first detection of the H5 avian influenza in Australian native species.
Two new cases of bird flu have been recorded in New South Wales, the state’s first detection of the H5 avian influenza in Australian native species. 9News
Both native Greater Crested Turns were found dead by members of the public, in two different parts of NSW.
One was discovered near Narooma on the Far South Coast and, the other, in Wentworth near the Victorian border.
In a statement, the state government said they would continue surveillance in the impacted areas in an attempt to “ensure early detection of any further cases”.
“These positive cases are not unexpected. We have been preparing for a situation like this, and we remain well-equipped to respond to manage further impacts,” NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said.
“We are using the best available data and tools to target actions for our most at-risk wildlife species and important natural places.”
A total of 215 bird flu cases have been recorded across Australia, most of those in South Australia. 9News
Tara Moriarty, the NSW Minister for Agriculture, said the government is “working closely with the poultry industry” to strengthen biosecurity measures in the hopes of reducing the risk of outbreaks.
“While there have been no detections in poultry in NSW, the poultry industry has been preparing for this and is across the risks and actions required at this point,” Moriarty said.
“We are continuing to work with our industry partners including key agricultural and wildlife stakeholders, ensuring the community have up-to-date information about our surveillance and response to detections of H5 bird flu.”
The earlier two cases in the state were petrel birds, which were found at Bennetts Beach near Port Stephens on the Mid North Coast.
There were also 10 new cases discovered in Victoria on Saturday, taking Australia’s total to 215 cases of bird flu recorded so far, with most of those in South Australia.
Anyone who sees a sick or dead bird is asked not to touch it and to call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.