H5 bird flu spreads to Goulburn; keep backyard chooks indoors
H5 bird flu detected in a greater crested tern in Goulburn, one of five positive tests across NSW this week.
A greater crested tern in Goulburn tested positive for H5 bird flu this week, marking the latest detection in NSW. Four other wild birds tested positive at Dee Why, Hawks Nest, and the south coast, bringing NSW's total to 22 cases.
The virus has not spread to commercial poultry flocks or captive birds, and the risk to human health remains low. The NSW Chief Veterinary Officer is advising poultry owners to house their birds where possible.
Backyard chook owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. The NSW government is rolling out vaccinations for vulnerable native bird species to help protect wildlife.
- 22
- NSW cases to date
- 22
- Goulburn poultry facilities
- 5
- Positive tests this week
- 6 litres
- Water per flush prevented
Why it mattersBackyard chicken owners need to take precautions now to protect their flocks and prevent further spread.
AustraliaNSW residents with backyard birds must keep them indoors or separated from wild birds; Goulburn's poultry industry of 22 facilities faces heightened surveillance.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 h ago
