7 July 2026
H5 Bird flu – Avoid, Record and Report
As NSW records its first H5 bird flu detection near Hawks Nest, we are all reminded to be vigilant.
If you observe unusual deaths or illness in wild birds please AVOID contact, RECORD by taking photos or video and REPORT immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.
An information flyer is available for distributing to field staff and within your community.
Importantly, bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds in NSW, nor has it become established in any part of Australia. The risk to human health remains low.
The State Coordination Centre is operating at the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD)’s Orange Agricultural Institute to provide coordination of surveillance operations and NSW’s response.
Surveillance operations had already ramped up in NSW in preparation for a detection, including establishing a H5 bird flu call centre, and training more than 500 additional staff, including Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers to undertake surveillance for H5 bird flu.
Further information can be found at www.birdflu.gov.au