04/09/2026
🦅 Okay, let’s talk bird flu…
There has been a positive detection of avian influenza (bird flu) in a shearwater found in the Coffs Harbour area.
Before anyone panics — there is no need to panic. 🫶
Shearwaters are ocean-going migratory birds, so it is possible this bird was exposed somewhere else during its travels. At this stage, there have been no other local detections.
But it does mean it’s time to be aware, not alarmed.
Bird flu primarily affects birds and has the potential to spread to other wild birds, backyard chickens and pet birds. Some strains can also infect mammals, so a little extra caution is sensible.
🐔 What can you do?
• Keep an eye out for sick or unusually behaving wild birds.
• Where possible, limit contact between wild birds and your chickens, ducks and other domestic birds — particularly around food and water.
• Do not handle sick or dead wild birds.
• If you find sick or dead birds, report them to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 and follow their instructions.
If you accidentally come into contact with a sick or dead bird, wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your face. If handling is unavoidable and you have been instructed to do so, use appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and a mask.
So for now: no panic, no chasing suspicious-looking seagulls around Coffs — just good biosecurity and a bit of extra awareness. 😅🐦
And please share this around — the more eyes we have looking out for unusual illness in our local bird populations, the better.
Coffs Harbour is now home to the state's first confirmed detection of H5 bird flu in a Hutton’s shearwater bird.
The bird was located in Corindi, with another two cases also confirmed in greater crested terns at Port Kembla and Warriewood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The NSW government says the virus has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds native to NSW and the risk to human health remains low.
