new H5 bird flu events on NSW coast
Announced: Monday September 21 to Thursday September 2026 by NSW Government and Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
The NSW Government is responding to new events of H5 bird flu after samples taken from impacted wildlife this past week.
The new cases of H5Bird Flu mortalities are:
- September 21: Three new events of H5 bird flu after samples taken from terns at Long Jetty and Nowra, and a silver gull at Merimbula all returned positive results.
- September 22: One new event of a tern at Dolls Point in Sydney’s south
- September 23: two new events of H5 bird flu after samples taken from terns at Shell Cove and Tuggerah returned positive results
- September 24: eight new events are:
- a tern, a shy albatross and a shearwater at Stockton Beach (3)
- a silver gull at Batemans Bay
- a crested tern at Kurnell
- a crested tern at Roseville
- a crested tern at Garie Beach
- a kite at Tuross Head
- September 25: a greater crested tern at Sawtell on the Mid North Coast
These new events bring NSW to a total of 67 H5 bird flu events as of Friday September 25 2026.
Surveillance is continuing across the state so DPI can detect any further events early.
As of 4pm AEST, 24 September 2026, Australia has 650 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.
- 10 in Western Australia (WA)
- 318 in South Australia (SA)
- 66 in New South Wales (NSW)
- 2 in Queensland (QLD)
- 208 in Victoria (VIC)
- 45 in Tasmania (TAS)
- 1 in Other Territories*
* Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)
Given the spread of bird flu across Australia, NSW now reports detections under the nationally consistent event system, where a single investigation may involve one or more birds and considers factors such as location, timing, species and other findings.
A national surveillance plan is in operation to monitor for any further detections and facilitate rapid, coordinated response.
Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or captive birds and the risk to human health remains low.
These events are not unexpected and the NSW Government is well prepared for H5 bird flu.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Jo Coombe reassured those who are worried about the events.
“We know people can be concerned when they hear about new H5 bird flu detections, but these findings are exactly why we have a robust surveillance program in place,” Dr Coombe said.
“The best thing people can do is remain aware, avoid handling sick or dead birds and wildlife, and report anything unusual via the online reporting form or through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
“Our teams assess every report and use that information to guide surveillance and response activities across NSW. Early reporting gives us the best opportunity to understand disease activity.
“I also want to acknowledge the thousands of people who have been keeping a watchful eye out and reporting sick or dead wildlife. Their efforts are helping us to monitor the spread of disease.”
The Government is continuing to receive many calls and online reports to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline and key stakeholders are being briefed regularly on the current situation.
If you see sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu - AVOID contact, RECORD what you see, REPORT it via the online reporting form or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline - 1800 675 888.
The NSW Government states it continues to work closely with Australian and State and Territory governments to roll out the plans developed with industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations.
The Chief Veterinary Officer has advised there is a housing recommendation for poultry.
For more information about H5 bird flu visit the NSW Government’s dedicated webpage: Bird Flu (H5 avian influenza).
For the event data, visit the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry H5 Bird Flu website: Bird flu (avian influenza) - DAFF.
Wildlife impacts of H5 bird flu
H5 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) is a disease that can affect wild birds, poultry and some mammals.
Overseas, H5 bird flu has had significant impacts on some wildlife populations, particularly seabirds, shorebirds, waterbirds and marine mammals. It can spread between animals and may cause illness or death in some species.
How H5 bird flu affects wildlife
The impact of the disease can vary between species and locations. Some species may be more vulnerable, particularly those that:
- gather in large groups
- share habitats with infected animals
- predate on or scavenge birds.
The NSW Government states it continues to strengthen preparedness, surveillance and response arrangements to support early detection and help protect wildlife.
Protecting wildlife
The NSW Government has undertaken extensive preparedness planning for H5 bird flu in wildlife.
This includes:
- risk assessment to identify the most at-risk species
- wildlife surveillance and monitoring
- preparedness planning for priority wildlife sites and species
- biosecurity measures to help reduce the spread of disease
- conservation planning for vulnerable wildlife
- vaccination for captive birds
- partnerships with wildlife organisations, researchers and other government agencies.
What you can do
Community reporting remains an important part of surveillance.
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife:
Avoid
- Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and the surrounding environment.
- Do not allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
Record
- Record what you see, including the location.
- Take photos or videos if it is safe to do so.
Report
- Report sick or dead birds or other wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
These reports help authorities monitor wildlife health and identify potential changes in the disease situation.
More information
Information for wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife organisations and other specialist audiences is available on the NSW Environment and Heritage website
H5 bird flu – Information for the wildlife rehabilitation sector
Animals infected with H5 bird flu are not good candidates for rehabilitation as H5 bird flu is considered an incurable disease in wildlife. This is based on international experience that has shown most wildlife and birds affected by H5 bird flu are unlikely to survive.
Infected animals pose a significant risk to other animals within rehabilitation facilities as the virus is highly contagious. Animals suspected of being infected with H5 bird flu should not be admitted into care.
While human infections are rare, they can occur through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
Four key roles wildlife rehabilitators can contribute
Wildlife rehabilitators play an important role in protecting wildlife health and supporting disease surveillance in New South Wales. As Australia prepares for the potential impacts of H5 bird flu, the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector has a critical role to play by:
- supporting early reporting and ongoing surveillance by recognising and reporting unusual illness or deaths in wildlife
- preventing spread with sound biosecurity practices within rehabilitation facilities and during field activities
- keeping yourself and others safe by following appropriate health and safety precautions
- staying informed and supporting awareness by sharing accurate information and keeping up to date with current guidance.
What animals are affected by H5 bird flu?
Overseas, the most commonly affected birds are:
- waterfowl – for example, ducks, geese and swans
- shorebirds – for example, waders and coastal water birds
- seabirds – for example, shearwaters, terns and gulls
- predators and scavengers – for example, raptors and ravens.
The most commonly affected mammals are predators and scavengers – for example, seals and possums.
We should assume all bird species are vulnerable to infection and be aware that even herbivorous mammals may be infected if they have been exposed to contaminated environments.
