H5 Avian Flu and What You Should Do

Published on 12 October 2026

With H5 avian influenza (bird flu) confirmed in NSW, Warrumbungle Shire Council is sharing information issued by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

The risk to the public remains low. Human infections are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people. Avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife is the best way to reduce risk.

Community members are encouraged to report sightings of sick or dead birds or other animals directly to NSW DPIRD rather than Council, as the department is coordinating surveillance, assessments and response activities across NSW.

What to look out for

H5 bird flu is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects birds but can also infect other animals.

Signs of H5 bird flu may include:

Groups of sick or dead birds, including wild birds and chickens.
Sick or dead seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds, birds of prey or seals.
Shaking, swimming or moving in circles.
Twisted necks or other unusual movements or positions.
Birds unable to stand or fly.
Diarrhoea.
Difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Swelling around the head, neck or eyes.
Cloudiness or changes in eye colour.
Sudden or unexplained death.

What to do if you see sick or dead birds or other animals

Avoid contact

If you see sick or dead birds or other animals, keep your distance. Don't touch them, their fur or feathers, droppings, eggs or the area around them.

Keep children and pets away too. Don't let pets sniff, touch or eat sick or dead animals.

Record what you see

If safe, take photos or a video. Remember to keep your distance.

Record these details:

Date and time.
Location (GPS pin, nearby roads or landmarks).
Type or description of birds or other animals.
How many animals are sick or dead.
What they look like (e.g. freshly dead or just bones, signs of disease).

Report signs of H5 bird flu

H5 bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. You must report it if you suspect a bird or other animal is infected.

Call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or complete the NSW Government online reporting form.

Reports from the community help authorities understand where affected wildlife may be located and support disease monitoring efforts.

Not every report will result in testing or collection, but every report contributes to the broader surveillance program.

How to protect yourself and local wildlife

Residents can help reduce the risk of H5 bird flu by:

Not handling sick or dead birds or other animals.
Avoiding feeding wild birds or other wildlife.
Keeping children and pets away from sick or dead animals.
Keeping dogs on leads in wildlife areas and preventing cats from roaming.
Practising good hand hygiene after visiting beaches, wetlands, parks and other natural areas.
Cleaning footwear and equipment after visiting these locations.

More information

For the latest information about H5 avian influenza, reporting requirements and current detections across NSW, visit the NSW Government's Bird Flu website.