HealthQuiet 21d · day 21
H5N1 bird flu confirmed in Sydney for first time
A greater crested tern found on the Northern Beaches tested positive, with authorities warning of potentially devastating wildlife impacts.
What to know
- H5N1 bird flu confirmed in Sydney for the first time on September 4, detected in a dead greater crested tern found on the Northern Beaches.
- The federal government has recorded 468 H5N1 events across Australia as of September 4, with more than 20 in NSW; no cases yet in commercial poultry or livestock.
- More than 100 Australian species are at risk of extinction from the virus; authorities are vaccinating rare and vulnerable wild birds including little penguins and Hutton's shearwaters.
- Risk to human health remains low with no documented mammal-to-mammal transmission globally, though the virus can infect mammals including seals, dolphins, and foxes.
“the first of many”
Sue Heins, Northern Beaches Mayor · Sydney Morning Herald
Sue Heins Northern Beaches MayorTara Moriarty NSW Agriculture Minister
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