Avian Influenza H5 Update

 

Updated 8 August 2026

Industry note: High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1 -
H5N1 Settles in

 

Current situation

• Total confirmed cases of H5N1 is 721 (15th October)

  • 10 in Western Australia (WA)

  • 331 in South Australia (SA)

  • 70 in New South Wales (NSW)

  • 2 in Queensland (QLD)

  • 245 in Victoria (VIC)

  • 53 in Tasmania (TAS)*

  • 1 in Other Territories#

  • * Includes events on Macquarie Island
    # Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)
     

Control orders are in place

• If unusual deaths or illness in wild birds are observed please AVOID contact, RECORD by taking photos or video and REPORT immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.

• Growers are encouraged to take precautionary measures and ensure all biosecurity requirements are upheld. Further information on poultry biosecurity can be found at: Poultry and livestock farmers and bird flu - DAFF

 

NSW Update

​NSW has recorded 71 H5 bird flu events, most recently in an ibis in Punchbowl, Sydney.
See event locations at Agriculture.gov.au. No detections have been recorded in NSW commercial poultry, captive birds or livestock. Human health risk remains low.
 

If you find sick or dead birds or wildlife, including marine species:
1.    Avoid contact.
2.    Record the location and observations.
3.    Use the Report sick or dead wild birds form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.
 

NSW DPIRD assesses all reports, but not all require investigation or testing. DPIRD confirms and reports positive detections.

​

What’s being done in NSW

• NSWPGC and NSWDPIRD are collaborating to bring to farmers information sessions across NSW - further details will be posted here.

• The NSW Government works with the Australian Government, industry, wildlife organisations and communities to:

  • monitor and investigate detections in wild birds

  • strengthen biosecurity and preparedness across NSW

  • support disease surveillance and laboratory testing

  • provide advice to industry, animal owners and communities

  • coordinate response activities if further detections occur.

• Strong biosecurity, disease monitoring and prompt reporting remain important tools for helping protect animals, industries and communities. 

 

Further information

• The situation remains dynamic and the Australian Government will provide updates on the current situation at birdflu.gov.au.

  • National coordination is being led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Regular updates will be made available at birdflu.gov.au.

 

Please reach out to NSWPGC if you have any questions regarding how we can help you.​