新南威尔士州确认两只野生鸟类感染H5禽流感病毒，这是澳大利亚本土鸟类在该州首次检测出这一病毒阳性[1]。两只死亡的凤头鸊鷉分别在南海岸纳鲁玛附近和西部温特沃思附近被发现[1]。这意味着新州成为澳大利亚第二个出现禽流感本地传播的州份[2]。
澳大利亚全国禽流感确诊及疑似病例总数已达215例[1][2]。除新州新增的两例外，维多利亚州西南部和墨尔本再确诊10例均为冠羽燕鸥[2]，南澳州野生海鸟中有28例阳性，其中15例在石灰岩海岸地区，11例在袋鼠岛[2]。此外，一只在沃那布尔搁浅的海豹幼仔被确认为潜在病例[2]。截至目前，商业家禽群中暂未发现禽流感[1]。
新州环境部长佩妮·夏普表示："这些阳性病例并不意外。我们一直在为这种情况做准备，装备齐全可以应对进一步影响。"[1]农业部长塔拉·莫里亚蒂表示家禽业已做好准备[1]。专家警告称，更多州出现此类传播几乎是不可避免的[2]。公众如发现可疑情况，可致电紧急动物疾病热线1800 675 888[1]。
New South Wales has recorded two additional cases of H5 bird flu in wild birds, marking the first detection of the virus in native species within the state.[1] The infected birds, both crested grebes, were found near Narooma on the south coast and near Wentworth in the west.[1] This brings the total number of confirmed or suspected H5 cases across Australia to 215.[1]
The discovery represents a significant expansion of the outbreak, as NSW becomes the second state to document local transmission of the virus in wildlife.[2] Prior detections in NSW involved migratory birds discovered near Port Stephens in early July.[1] Victoria and South Australia have recorded higher concentrations of cases, with Victoria reporting ten additional crested grebes and South Australia documenting 28 positive cases among wild seabirds, including 15 in the Limestone Coast region and 11 on Kangaroo Island.[2] A young seal that stranded in Wollongong has also been identified as a potential case.[2]
Government officials have expressed preparedness for the ongoing spread. NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe stated: "These positive cases are not unexpected. We have been preparing for this situation and are well-equipped to manage further impacts."[1] Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty indicated that the poultry industry is ready to respond.[1] To date, no cases have been detected in commercial poultry flocks.[1] Authorities have established an emergency animal disease hotline at 1800 675 888 for reporting concerns.[1]