New South Wales has recorded its first cases of the deadly H5 avian influenza in native wild birds, signaling a worrying new phase in the state's environmental and agricultural biosecurity efforts.

Two greater crested terns—one discovered near Narooma on the South Coast and another near Wentworth in the state's far west—tested positive for the strain after being reported by alert members of the public. The detections have prompted immediate action from the NSW Government's H5 response team, which is carrying out localized testing and surveillance to map the potential spread.

State Authorities on High Alert

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe stated that while the detections are concerning, they were not unexpected. She reassured the community that the state has been actively preparing for this scenario, using data-driven mapping and establishing targeted response plans for 34 priority ecological sites across NSW.

"We remain well equipped to respond to manage further impacts," Minister Sharpe said. "We are using the best available data and tools to target actions for our most at-risk wildlife species and important natural places."

These latest cases bring the total number of infections in NSW to four. The state's first encounter with this H5 strain occurred in early July, when two migratory petrels tested positive at Bennetts Beach near Port Stephens on the Mid North Coast.

Poultry Industry Bracing for Impact

Although the virus has not yet been detected in commercial poultry farms within NSW, Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty emphasized that biosecurity measures are being aggressively tightened. Government agencies are working hand-in-hand with commercial poultry operators to safeguard domestic flocks and mitigate the risk of devastating commercial outbreaks.

"While there have been no detections in poultry in NSW, the poultry industry has been preparing for this and is across the risks and actions required at this point," Minister Moriarty said.

National Case Toll Climbs to 215

Nationally, the situation continues to escalate, with total confirmed cases across Australia rising to 215. This includes 10 newly confirmed cases in Victoria, all detected in greater crested terns across the state's south-west and in Clyde, located in Melbourne's south-east.

South Australia remains the hardest-hit jurisdiction, recently suffering its first mass mortality event among wild populations. The severity of the outbreak has already disrupted major public events, with the Royal Adelaide Show recently announcing the complete cancellation of its poultry and bird exhibits for its upcoming September event.

What the Public Should Do

Wildlife health officials are urging communities to play an active role in monitoring the spread. If you encounter a sick or dead bird, do not touch or move it. Instead, immediately report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.