2 hrs ago
Sydney Confirms First H5N1 Bird Flu Case, Authorities Urge Precautions
A type of bird sickness called H5N1 bird flu was found in a wild bird in Sydney.
This is the first confirmed H5N1 case reported in Sydney.
The bird was a greater crested tern found in the Northern Beaches in late August.
Officials are asking people to keep pet birds and chickens away from wild birds.
They also want dog owners to stop their dogs from chasing wild birds or eating dead animals.
The virus can make birds very sick and has killed many birds around the world.
It can sometimes infect mammals, including people, although this report does not describe a human case in Sydney.
Officials are watching for more cases and encouraging people to take precautions.
Authorities reported Sydney’s first confirmed case of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu.
The virus was detected in a greater crested tern found in Sydney’s Northern Beaches in late August.
New South Wales officials urged people with pet birds, chickens and dogs to avoid contact with wild birds and carcasses.
The Northern Beaches mayor warned the case could be the first of many and have potentially devastating impacts.
Australia has recorded 468 confirmed H5N1 events, including 20 in New South Wales, with no detections in the state’s commercial poultry, captive birds or livestock.
- Who
- New South Wales authorities, Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty and Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins reported the case.
- What
- The first confirmed H5N1 bird flu case in Sydney was detected in a wild greater crested tern.
- Where
- Sydney’s Northern Beaches, in New South Wales, Australia.
- When
- The tern was found in late August, and authorities reported the case on Friday.
- Why
- Authorities issued precautions because H5N1 is highly pathogenic in birds and can infect mammals, including humans.
Key facts
- Virus
- Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza
- Affected animal
- A greater crested tern
- Location
- Sydney’s Northern Beaches
- Australia-wide events
- 468 confirmed H5N1 events as of the latest federal government data cited
- New South Wales events
- 20 confirmed events
- State livestock status
- No detections in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or livestock in New South Wales
- Recommended precautions
- Keep pet birds and chickens away from wild birds, and prevent dogs from chasing wild birds or eating carcasses
Quotes
Tara Moriarty
Agriculture minister in New South Wales
“Sydney residents with pet birds or chickens should take precautions to avoid interacting with wild birds, and people with dogs should ensure they don't eat carcasses or chase wild birds.”
NDTV
Sue Heins
Mayor of the Northern Beaches
“potentially devastating impacts”
NDTV
Sources
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