Kiama Council is advising the community that a first case of avian bird flu has been detected in the Kiama local government area.
Council is working with the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD) to limit the spread of the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
A bird was found at Easts Beach and testing confirmed that it had been infected with avian influenza.
Anyone who sees a dead bird or wildlife, please avoid the animal and report the incident to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888 or via an online form: https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/23970. Record the location and, if safe to do so, take a photo.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said it was important that community members do their part in managing the risk of bird flu spreading.
“We ask that anyone who sees dead or sick wildlife to please follow the guidelines. To avoid, record and report what you saw to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline,” he said.
“Be mindful if you have pets, particularly dogs when they are roaming in off-leash areas, that this disease can have serious ramifications not just for birds but for animals and, in rare cases, people.
