Authorities in Australia have confirmed Sydney’s first case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain. It is the first confirmed case in Sydney since H5N1 reached mainland Australia in June. Authorities have advised residents with pet birds or backyard chickens to avoid contact with wild birds. Dog owners have also been urged to prevent their pets from chasing or eating wild bird carcasses.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins warned that more cases could follow and said the region should prepare for potentially serious impacts on wildlife. Federal data shows 468 confirmed H5N1 events across Australia as of Wednesday, including 20 in New South Wales. No cases have been detected so far in commercial poultry, captive birds or livestock in the state. The World Health Organisation says H5N1 primarily affects birds but can also infect mammals, including humans. Human infections can range from mild illnesses to severe and, in some cases, fatal diseases.
