South Coast on the frontline of bird flu outbreak
The South Coast of New South Wales is facing an H5 bird flu outbreak, with multiple cases identified in Merimbula and Narooma. Government officials are urging the public to avoid contact with sick wildlife and rely on official sources for information to prevent misinformation.
Why it matters
Managing wildlife disease outbreaks is essential to protecting biodiversity, public health, and the local tourism economy.
Bega Valley Shire Council showed a biosecurity warning sign it was using in the area. Photo: Denise Dion.
Merimbula and Narooma have been identified as on the frontline of the H5 bird flu outbreak in NSW with government officials holding the first community meeting of its kind in Merimbula this week to provide information and answer residents’ questions.
Bega Valley Shire had six bird flu events by 4 September, with four in Merimbula, one in Eden and one in Bermagui, all of which involved Greater Crested Terns, while Eurobodalla had five, all in Narooma, four of which involved Greater Crested Terns and one which was a Southern Giant Petrel.
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