07/07/2026
🦅 H5 Bird Flu Detected in NSW – Please Help Protect Our Community
A case of H5 bird flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - HPAI) has recently been confirmed in a wild bird in NSW. While the current risk to the general public remains low, this virus is highly contagious among birds and can also affect some mammals. In rare cases, people can become infected after close contact with sick birds, their droppings or contaminated environments.
What should you look out for?
⚠️ Sick or dead wild birds
⚠️ Multiple birds found dead in one location
⚠️ Birds showing weakness, tremors, difficulty walking, breathing problems or unusual behaviour
If you find a sick or dead bird:
❌ Do not touch, handle or transport the bird.
🐾 Keep children and pets well away.
📍 Record the location if it is safe to do so.
📞 Report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
🚫 Please DO NOT bring birds directly into North Rocks Veterinary Hospital.
To help protect our staff, clients and other animals, we are not accepting birds into the clinic without prior assessment. If your pet bird or backyard poultry is unwell, please call us first so we can advise you on the safest next steps. Depending on the circumstances, you may be directed to contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).
By working together and following these simple precautions, we can help protect our pets, wildlife, our community and each other.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's potential exposure, please don't hesitate to contact our team.
