Seven new cases of the bird flu strain have been detected among wild birds on the NSW far south coast.
The NSW Government confirmed the detections in two greater crested terns and a giant petrel at Narooma, along with four greater crested terns at Merimbula.
The latest detections come after five individual H5 cases were previously reported across NSW, including at Narooma, Eden, Wentworth and Hawks Nest.
Authorities will now report cases as “events”, referring to investigations that may involve one or several birds, rather than counting individual animals.
Signs have also been placed at Spencer Park and Mitchies Jetty in Merimbula, warning people not to touch sick or dead birds or marine animals.
Merimbula resident Andrew Dovell, who recently reported a sick bird to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, said the prospect of more bird deaths was distressing.
“I’m gutted, it will be hard to watch,” he said.
“It’s horrible. There’s thousands of them and we’re going to watch them get sick and die.”
Tathra-based ecologist Steve Sass said the latest detections were concerning, although not unexpected given how quickly the virus can spread.
“This particular strain is highly contagious … we know that it’s spreading,” he said.
“We really don’t know where it’s going to end, and I would be suggesting to people that this is pretty serious.”
Sass said further deaths could be expected and warned of the broader impact on wildlife.
“Birds are such critical components of our ecosystems,” he said.
“This is a pretty devastating result for probably one of the most important groups of animals in our ecosystems.”
H5 bird flu has also been detected in other parts of Australia, including in South Australia and Tasmania.
People are being urged not to handle sick or dead birds or animals and to report sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Image: Shutterstock
