Arabic version: نيو ساوث ويلز تؤكد أولى حالات H5 لدى الطيور المحلية

According to ABC News, New South Wales has confirmed its first cases of H5 avian influenza in Australian native birds. The infected birds were greater crested terns: one was found dead near Narooma on the state’s south coast and the other near Wentworth in western NSW. Members of the public reported the birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, and the NSW Government’s H5 response team collected samples.

The detections bring the number of infected birds in NSW to four. The state’s first two H5 cases were identified in migratory petrels at Bennetts Beach near Port Stephens on the Mid North Coast in early July. NSW authorities said surveillance was continuing in affected areas to support early detection of further cases.

Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the cases were not unexpected and that the state had been preparing to manage further impacts. Preparedness measures include plans for 34 priority sites, risk assessments and mapping, and information sessions involving agencies. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said there had been no detections in poultry in NSW, while governments continued to work with the poultry industry on biosecurity.

Acting chief veterinary officer Jane Bennett said the Wentworth detection was unusual because greater crested terns are not naturally found that far from the sea, making it the furthest inland detection so far. Invasive Species Council chief executive Jack Gough said the finding had implications for the Murray-Darling Basin, particularly before spring breeding time. Australia has recorded 215 confirmed cases, after 10 additional infections in Victoria were confirmed on Saturday. Anyone who sees a sick or dead bird is asked not to touch it and to call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.