The NSW Government is responding to seven new events of H5 bird flu after samples taken from terns at Eden, Wallagoot, and Pambula on the Far South Coast, and the Illawarra's Coledale returned a positive result.
On the Far South Coast, Silver Gulls at Tathra and Edrom, as well as a Sea Eagle at Potato Point, all returned positive samples.
Surveillance is continuing across the state so we can detect any further cases early.
These new events bring NSW to a total of 52 H5 bird flu events.
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 encouraged people to take extra biosecurity precautions when on our beaches.
"Community members need to take care when they spot sick or injured animals on the coast. Please keep any dogs on leashes to prevent them from interacting with wildlife," Dr Coombe said.
"And our message remains the same – if you spot a sick or injured bird avoid contact, record what you see, and report it via the online form or through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888."
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 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.
