A giant petrel found near Hawks Nest on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales has tested preliminary positive for the H5 bird flu strain. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty confirmed the wild migratory bird’s samples were sent to the CSIRO for final confirmation of the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).
Why is the H5 bird flu case in NSW significant?
This suspected positive result marks the first time a wild migratory seabird in New South Wales has returned a suspected positive result for the virus. The bird was initially identified by a member of the public who noticed the animal appeared ill near Bennetts Beach.
After being assessed by a veterinarian, the bird was tested in Camden, near Sydney. Samples have since been moved to the national testing laboratory in Geelong to determine the specific H5 strain. According to Ms. Moriarty, the bird is a wild species that likely flew in from “other parts of the world.”
NSW chief veterinary officer Jo Coombe noted that giant petrels typically only come into contact with land when they are sick. The state has been preparing for such an event since an H7 bird flu outbreak occurred two years ago.
While vaccines exist for the H5 bird flu strain, Dr. Coombe stated they are currently only available for “rare and endangered species.”
Is the commercial poultry industry at risk?
At this stage, there is no reported spread of the virus within the commercial poultry sector. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty has informed industry stakeholders but stated there is “no need to panic.”
“We haven’t had any reports of the poultry industry being impacted,” Ms. Moriarty said, adding that the industry is prepared for various scenarios. She encouraged consumers to continue their regular habits, stating, “keep buying eggs, keep buying chicken.”
The state government maintains that the risk to human health remains low. While the virus can affect humans, Dr. Coombe noted there has been no human-to-human transmission, and any potential human cases would likely present with “common cold signs.”
How many bird flu cases have been reported in Australia?
The detection in New South Wales follows a series of confirmed cases in other Australian states. The H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain has been moving through wild bird populations, leading to mass mortality in poultry and sea mammals globally.
The timeline of recent confirmed cases includes:
- Western Australia: One confirmed case in a brown skua (a sub-Antarctic species) at Cape Le Grand beach last month, followed by four additional confirmed cases.
- South Australia: One confirmed case reported.
- New South Wales: One suspected case in a giant petrel.
Dr. Coombe identified the next level of risk as the potential spread from these “vagrant, passing birds” into the broader wild bird population.
Comparing Bird Flu Impact: Global vs. Local
While the current Australian cases are concentrated in specific seabird populations, the global trend shows a much wider impact. Dr. Coombe reported that overseas, the virus has devastated not only various bird species but also more than 50 species of mammals.
What symptoms should people look for in wild birds?
According to Dr. Coombe, the primary symptoms of H5 bird flu in avian species include:
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing
- Watery eyes
- Signs of paralysis
- Difficulty walking
If you encounter a bird that appears sick or is showing the symptoms listed above, do not touch it. Contact the Emergency Animal Disease hotline immediately at 1800 675 888.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch H5 bird flu from eating poultry products?
The NSW government and Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty have indicated there is no need to stop consuming poultry products, noting there is currently no impact on the commercial industry.
Is the risk to humans high?
No. The state government has stated the risk to human health remains “very low.”
What is the H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain?
It is a specific strain of avian influenza that has spread globally through the movement of wild birds, causing significant mortality in both poultry and marine mammals.
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