Community Notice: H5 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update for Hay Shire Residents
Friday, August 21, 2026
H5 bird flu (H5N1) has been detected in wild birds across Australia, including New South Wales. While this is a wildlife health issue, we encourage all residents, farmers, and pet owners in Hay Shire to stay informed and practice good biosecurity.
Key Things to Know:
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Low Risk to Public Health: Human infections of this strain are rare, and there have been no human cases reported in Australia.
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Safe Food Supply: Commercial poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.
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Agricultural Impact: Detections remain limited strictly to wild birds, with no cases in poultry or the commercial agricultural system.
How You Can Help: Avoid, Record, Report
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Avoid Contact: Do not touch or handle sick or dead wild birds or animals. Keep pets on leads in wildlife areas and prevent domestic animals from interacting with wild birds.
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Record: Note your exact location, the time, and the details of what you see.
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Report: If you see multiple sick or dead wild birds, report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Tips for Backyard Bird & Poultry Keepers:
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Keep wild birds away from your flock's housing, food, and water sources.
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Clean pens, aviaries, and equipment regularly.
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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling birds.
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Monitor your flock closely for any sudden signs of illness.
For official national updates and detailed resources, visit www.birdflu.gov.au. Let's work together to protect our local wildlife and agricultural community!