New South Wales reports first H5 bird flu cases in native terns
The NSW government confirmed two native Greater Crested Terns tested positive for H5 avian influenza, one found dead near Narooma and another near Wentworth.
Authorities in New South Wales announced the state's inaugural detections of H5 bird flu among native wildlife. Both infected birds were Greater Crested Terns, with one carcass discovered on the south-coast near Narooma and the other in western NSW close to Wentworth. Members of the public reported the sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, prompting sampling by the state's H5 response team. The findings were disclosed in an official press release.
Why it matters
First native bird cases signal potential spread of H5 flu, prompting monitoring to protect wildlife and agriculture.
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