Sydney has recorded its first case of H5N1 bird flu after a greater crested tern found at Warriewood on the Northern Beaches tested positive for the virus.
The discovery was confirmed by the New South Wales Government on Friday, September 4, 2026, as authorities announced two other H5 bird flu events involving a greater crested tern at Port Kembla and a Hutton’s shearwater at Corindi, near Coffs Harbour.
The government said there were no signs of mass wildlife deaths in the affected areas or elsewhere in the state. Surveillance operations are continuing to identify any further infections at an early stage.
NSW has recorded 20 H5 bird flu events, while 468 have been reported across Australia as of September 3. Officials said the virus has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or other native birds in NSW.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control has said the risk to human health remains low. People are advised not to touch sick or dead birds, to keep pets away from carcasses and to report sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
The NSW Government is also urging owners of backyard chickens and aviary birds to prevent contact with wild birds. Dog owners have been told to ensure their animals do not eat carcasses or chase birds on beaches and in parks.
