This is the first confirmed detection in a shearwater bird in NSW.
Positive detections have also been recorded from greater crested terns at Port Kembla, and Warriewood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
There are no signs of any mass mortality in the area or anywhere else in NSW and surveillance is continuing.
As of 3 September 2026, there are 20 H5 bird events in NSW and 468 across Australia.
Given the spread of bird flu across Australia, NSW now reports detections under the nationally consistent event system, where a single investigation may involve one or more birds and considers factors such as location, timing, species and other findings.
A national surveillance plan is in operation to monitor for any further detections and facilitate rapid, coordinated response.
Bird flu 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.
The Government is continuing to receive many calls to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline and key stakeholders are being briefed regularly on the current situation.
The NSW Government has commenced a rollout of targeted vaccinations for vulnerable species of birds to help protect them against H5 avian influenza.
A combination of insurance populations in captivity, and wild populations of birds, are in the process of being vaccinated. This includes the Little Penguins in Manly and Barunguba Montague Island.
If you see sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu – Avoid contact, Record what you see, Report it via the online reporting form or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline – 1800 675 888.
The NSW Government continues to work closely with Australian and State and Territory governments to roll out the plans developed with industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations.
The Chief Veterinary Officer has advised the poultry industry that there is at this stage only a voluntary housing recommendation for poultry birds.
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