newy.com.au – A giant petrel found at Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, has become the second wild migratory seabird in NSW to test positive for H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza.
The CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness confirmed the result after preliminary testing at the NSW Government’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.
The bird was located after a member of the public reported it, prompting testing under a statewide surveillance and monitoring program. A national surveillance plan is also in place to monitor detections and support a rapid response.
Authorities said there were no signs of mass bird deaths near Hawks Nest or elsewhere in NSW. H5 has not been detected in the state’s commercial poultry, native birds or other animals, and the risk to human health remains low.
Acting Agriculture Minister Yasmin Catley said the latest case showed targeted monitoring was operating as intended.
“The detection of this bird demonstrates the Government’s increased and targeted surveillance and monitoring program is working as intended,” Ms Catley said.
“The NSW Government has been preparing for a situation like this, and we remain well equipped to manage further impacts. Our State Coordination Centre has been operating since June and we are continuing to work closely with the Commonwealth Government.”
The State Coordination Centre has been operating from the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development’s Orange Agricultural Institute since June 19. Surveillance is continuing across NSW, with Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers using spatial mapping, decision-support systems and response databases to guide targeted action.
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe said the positive result was not unexpected given the location.
“I would like to remind everyone that importantly, bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds native to NSW,” Dr Coombe said.
“We are continuing to work closely with Australian and State and Territory governments plus industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations. The risk to human health remains low.”
People who find sick or dead birds or other animals have been warned not to touch them or approach them. They should record the location and contact the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
