HAWKS NEST — A southern giant petrel found near Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle in New South Wales, tested positive for H5 influenza. Results from the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness are pending to determine if the H5 strain is highly pathogenic.

If the H5N1 strain is confirmed, it would mark the first detection of the disease on Australia's east coast. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated, "H5 bird flu has so far not been detected in any poultry flocks, captive or other wild birds in NSW." She added, "This latest development is incredibly concerning for both agriculture and for wildlife."

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jo Coombe said of the case, "This is an isolated case at this stage." Coombe also stated, "At this point there is no evidence of spread to any wild birds."

A state coordination centre at the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development in Orange is managing surveillance operations. Moriarty stated, "There are no other birds that have been found to be positive for H5 at the moment, but we are now increasing our surveillance." Trained personnel are checking the area around Hawks Nest, the mid-north coast, and other high-risk parts of the state for birds.

Symptoms of H5 bird flu can include lethargy, respiratory signs like watery eyes or difficulty breathing, and paralysis or difficulty walking. The NSW government has trained more than 500 people in government and private veterinary services in H5 bird flu surveillance.

Since late June, five cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in Australia. Four of these confirmed cases occurred in Western Australia, with one in South Australia. These confirmed H5 cases in Western Australia and South Australia were found in migratory sub-antarctic birds.