NSW records its first cases of deadly H5 avian influenza in Australian native birds
New South Wales has confirmed its first cases of H5 avian influenza in native wild birds, specifically greater crested terns. Authorities are conducting ongoing surveillance to monitor the spread and protect the poultry industry.
Why it matters
The detection of a deadly virus in native wildlife poses potential risks to biodiversity and the agricultural sector.
Both infected birds were greater crested terns. ( Supplied: Matthew Fainman/ iNaturalist/Creative Commons )
Two native wild birds have been found in NSW with the deadly H5 bird flu, in a first for the state.
The state's first cases in migratory birds were recorded in early July on the Mid North Coast.
Australia now has 215 confirmed cases after an additional 10 birds were infected in Victoria.
Link copied Share Share article The New South Wales government has confirmed the state's first cases of H5 avian influenza in Australian native birds.
One bird was found dead near Narooma on the state's south coast and the other near Wentworth in western NSW, according to the state government.
"[The] birds were reported by members of the public to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and sampled by the NSW Government's H5 response team," the government said in a statement.
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