Suspected bird flu case found in NSW, authorities say

This adds to the five known cases in two other states.

The positive samples came from a giant petrel near Hawks Nest, a town about 228km north of Sydney. Source: AAP / MARY EVANS

In brief

• Five previous cases have been confirmed in WA and South Australia.
• Authorities said there are no signs the virus has spread to local poultry populations.

The deadly H5N1 bird flu may have been detected in a migratory bird in Australia's most populous state, which was previously free of the virus.

Five cases of the deadly avian influenza have been confirmed so far in seabirds in two states in Australia over the past week.

But a snap press conference called on Friday by NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriatry and the state's chief veterinary officer Jo Coombe confirmed the virus may have reached a third state.

Samples from a giant petrel near Hawks Nest, a town about 228km north of Sydney, have tested positive for H5 influenza in preliminary testing at the department's laboratory at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.

"This latest development is incredibly concerning for both agriculture and for wildlife," Moriaty told reporters.

"But NSW and the rest of the country have been preparing for this moment for many years."

Coombe said crews would increase surveillance to detect any further cases.

"The State Coordination Centre has been stood up in Orange, we have established the H5 bird flu call centre and we are briefing all key stakeholders on the current situation," Coombe said.

"We are using the best available data now to target actions for our most at-risk wildlife species and important natural places."

Until June, Australia had been the only continent free of the highly contagious virus, which has wiped out millions of birds worldwide and also killed mammals.

Five birds have returned positive results for the strain since it was first detected on the Australian mainland on 14 June.

They were a brown skua found in Esperance, WA, on 14 June, two giant petrels found in Esperance, a giant petrel found at Quindalup, south of Perth, and a giant petrel found on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula on 14 June.

All positive cases have occurred in wild birds, with no signs the virus has spread to local poultry populations.

There has also been no evidence of mass mortality in wildlife.

A temporary ban on poultry products from Australia imposed by Papua New Guinea's National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority was lifted on 24 June.

People are being urged to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, report any finds to an emergency hotline, record locations, and take photos.

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