Avian Influenza

Saturday, 8 August 2026, 3:26 pm

Saturday, 8 August 2026, 6:49 pm

Two greater crested terns were infected.

In short:

Two native wild birds in NSW have the deadly H5 bird flu.

The first cases in migratory birds were recorded in early July.

Australia now has 215 confirmed cases.

NSW's first native bird cases of H5 avian influenza were confirmed.

One bird was found near Narooma, and the other near Wentworth.

Both birds were greater crested terns.

The public reported the birds, and the NSW Government's team sampled them.

The first case of H5 bird flu in NSW was found in early July.

Surveillance is continuing in the impacted areas.

Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the cases were not unexpected.

The state is using data and tools to target actions for at-risk wildlife.

A total of four birds have now been infected in NSW.

The first two cases were detected in migratory petrel birds.

Surveillance is ongoing in the areas where the birds were found.

The government has prepared plans for 34 priority sites across the state.

The poultry industry has been preparing for the bird flu.

The government is working with industry partners and stakeholders.

The location of infections is a big development.

Jane Bennett said the area where the birds were found was unusual.

Jane Bennett described the detection at Wentworth as unusual.

The bird at Wentworth was far from the coast.

The detection at Narooma was also far from previous detections.

Jack Gough described the finding at Wentworth as a big development.

It's the first time bird flu has been found far inland in Australia.

The bird flu has been spreading quickly across seven species and five states.

Birds in inland wetland colonies are now susceptible to the disease.

The spread will get worse after the initial impact on coastal areas.

Evidence suggests the bird flu will slowly creep inland.

The bird flu will affect native bird species, but the degree is unknown.

Australian cases have reached 215.

The total number of infections in Australia has risen to 215.

Ten new cases were confirmed in Victoria on Saturday.

The new cases were all from greater crested terns in south-west Victoria.

Thousands of Australian species have been ranked by threat level.

South Australia has been hit the hardest by the virus.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed the state's first mass mortality.

Significant losses are expected once the H5 bird flu spreads in wildlife.

The Royal Adelaide Show will go ahead without bird and poultry exhibits.

People are asked not to touch dead or sick birds and report them.

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