The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development today confirmed a second positive case of bird flu in a greater crested tern at Dee Why Beach, collected earlier this week. 

It is one of 5 new cases in NSW which brings the total number of cases to in New South Wales to 30. 

If you see sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them.

• Avoid contact
• Record what you see – photograph or video and location.
• Report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline online or on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
• If you are reporting a dead bird on Council-managed land such as sports fields, playgrounds, beaches, tracks or trails, you should also notify Council on 1300 434 434.

See earlier update below for more information on bird flu, how it is spread and how you can protect yourself and your pets. 

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3rd September 2026

The NSW Government had confirmed the first case of H5 bird flu in a greater crested tern at Warriewood on the Northern Beaches. 

H5 bird flu and how it is spread

H5 bird flu is a viral disease of birds that is found globally and is currently impacting all parts of the world. 

H5 bird flu differs from other avian influenza strains and has caused mass mortalities in poultry and many wild birds overseas, as well as some mammals, particularly marine mammals.

H5 bird flu spreads mainly through direct contact with infected animals, their droppings or bodily fluids

It can also spread indirectly via contaminated surfaces, equipment, vehicles, water or dust

Risk to humans

The Australian Centre for Disease Control advises the risk to people in Australia is currently low. Bird flu in people is rare, and infection usually happens after close contact with infected birds, droppings or heavily contaminated environments. See NSW Health for more information.

Bird flu is not a food safety risk for chicken meat and eggs if they are handled and cooked correctly.

What to do if you see sick or dead wildlife

Public reporting is a critical part of the response and a key way that the community can support ongoing detection efforts.

If you see sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them.

• Avoid contact
• Record what you see – photograph or video and location.
• Report sick or dead birds or other animals to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline online or on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
• If there are multiple birds or they are in a location such as a public playground please also report to Council on 1300 434 434.

What you can do to help prevent the spread

• Avoid all contact with sick or dead wildlife
• Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife - keep cats inside and prevent dogs from contact with wildlife
• Do not feed wild birds – congregating birds can increase the likelihood of them catching the virus from one another.

Advice for pet birds and backyard chickens 

Residents who keep backyard chickens or other poultry are urged to strengthen biosecurity measures to protect their birds. 

Prevent wild birds from mixing with poultry or accessing their feed and water, keep enclosures and equipment clean, practice good hand hygiene and closely monitor birds for signs of illness or sudden death. 

Anyone concerned about the health of their birds should contact a veterinarian and contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline online or on 1800 675 888.

More information for protecting you pets follow the advice of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Lead agency for managing H5 bird flu

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD), in partnership with the Australian Government, leads the response to any detection of H5 bird flu in NSW.

For more information on bird flu and the state response visit their webpage.

Council preparation and response 

Council is supporting and working to the advice from the lead agency NSW DPIRD.

While we are hopeful we won’t experience significant impacts in our area, the experience across the world shows it may be unavoidable and Council and the community should prepare for the worst.

Council is:

• using our Incident Management Team to coordinate response across waste, cleansing, biodiversity, health and safety, environmental health, customer service and other impacted internal teams  
• identifying high risk biodiversity areas and identifying any mitigating measures
• planning for clean-up including training staff, stocking PPE, liaising with waste contractors and reviewing procedures 
• raising awareness of risks and sharing lead agency communications.