NSW Biosecurity

03/09/2026

NSW has 20 events of H5 bird flu.

These event detections have mostly been in the South Coast area of NSW, in greater crested terns.

There are new events in greater crested terns at Callala Bay, Port Kembla and Warriewood, and in a Hutton's Shearwater in Corindi, near Coffs Harbour.

For details on event locations go to https://www.agriculture.gov.au/cam.../birdflu/latest-data....

Remember to avoid contact. Record what you see. Report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals via the online form https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/23970

03/09/2026

Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, explains some simple steps to help protect your pets from H5 bird flu.

Go to www.nsw.gov.au/H5birdflu for more information.

If you find sick or dead birds or wildlife including marine species:

Avoid contact.
Record what you see and the location.
Report it immediately via the online reporting form https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/23970

DPI and NSWFA forms

31/08/2026

Help protect our birds, our shows and agriculture in NSW.

If you're exhibiting poultry, pigeons, aviary birds or other captive birds this show season:

✅ Keep birds healthy and monitor for signs of illness
✅ Keep feed, water, cages and equipment clean
✅ Prevent contact between captive and wild birds where possible
✅ Know the signs of H5 bird flu and how to report concerns

If you see sick or dead birds:

AVOID contact
RECORD what you observe, including location and species
REPORT unusual illness or deaths immediately using the online reporting form https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/23970 or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Early detection and reporting are vital to protecting our birds, exhibitors, regional communities and agricultural industries from the impacts of H5 bird flu.

For more information, including how to protect your birds, visit https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity/avian-influenza/poultry-and-captive-bird-keepers

28/08/2026

🐸 A cane toad has been sighted in the Port Macquarie area.

Early detection is critical, and your report could make a difference in slowing the spread and further establishment of cane toads in NSW.

If you think you've seen a cane toad:

✅ Take a photo if it is safe to do so.
✅ Record the location.
✅ Report it in ToadScan https://feralscan.org.au/toadscan/ or use the online form https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/9247 for suspicious sightings.

❌ Don't harm it. It may actually be a native frog.

Help prevent the spread of cane toads by watching for stowaways in:

🧳 Luggage, camping gear and caravans

🚗 Vehicles, trailers and boats

🌱 Green waste, mulch and garden materials

🧱 Building materials and equipment

🚚 Freight and other transported goods

Cane toads can have serious impacts on native wildlife, pets and the environment. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and community reports play an important role in protecting our region.

See a cane toad? Report it. Your report could make a difference.

For more information, including how to identify a cane toad from a native frog, https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/invasive-plants-and-animals/pest-animals/Managing-new-exotic-animal-incursions/Information-on-animals-that-are-illegal-to-keep-or-deal-with/cane-toad

27/08/2026

NSW has 15 events of H5 bird flu.

These event detections have mostly been in the South Coast area of NSW, in greater crested terns.

There is 1 new event in Bermagui in a greater crested tern, and additional greater crested terns relating to the previously announced event detected in Merimbula.

For details on event locations go to https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data .

Remember to avoid contact. Record what you see. Report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia

26/08/2026

🌿

Seen it? Call us: 1800 680 244 (NSW Biosecurity Helpline)

Rubber vine is a multi-stemmed shrub that can climb up to 30 m on other vegetation or structures. It forms dense thickets that invade waterways, pastures and natural areas. All parts of rubber vine are poisonous to people and animals. The sap can cause severe skin irritations.

Leaves are dark green and glossy. The seed pods are 10 -12 cm long, rigid and usually grow in pairs at the end of a short stalk.

To help identify this plant you can view the 3D model at: https://skfb.ly/o8KLz

For more information go to the WeedWise website: https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weed/RubberVine or download the app: www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/invasive-plants-and-animals/weeds/nsw-weedwise2

Local Land Services NSW

25/08/2026

National Biosecurity Week - Our way of life is worth protecting.

National Biosecurity Week is a reminder that protecting our environment, agricultural industries, food supply, communities and economy is a shared responsibility. But when a biosecurity emergency occurs, NSW DPIRD plays a critical role in coordinating the response.

Under the NSW State Emergency Management Plan, NSW DPIRD is the appointed combat agency for animal and plant biosecurity emergencies, leading prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts for emergencies affecting animals and plants across NSW, both terrestrial and aquatic.

Right now, we're responding to the detection of H5 avian influenza in NSW. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, dedicated teams are working tirelessly to contain the spread, support industry and protect our state's animals, communities and way of life.

Effective biosecurity relies on collaboration. From government agencies and industry partners to producers and the community, everyone has a role to play in strengthening our biosecurity system and helping NSW respond when it matters most.

This National Biosecurity Week, meet some of the people behind the response and learn more about the vital work they do to help protect NSW.

23/08/2026

This week is National Biosecurity Week.

We all play a role in keeping our state free from pests, weeds and diseases.

How well do you think you adopt a biosecurity mindset when it comes to everyday activities? Try your hand at Biosecurity Bingo to see how many actions you have taken to help protect our state.

20/08/2026

As NSW continues its response to H5 bird flu, now is the time to review your biosecurity practices and help protect your backyard birds.

Good biosecurity is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of disease in your flock:

🐓 Keep feed and water sources away from wild birds
🦆 Prevent contact between wild and domestic birds using netting or fencing
🦃 Clean and disinfect bird housing, feeders and drinkers regularly
🐤 Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock
🐭 Store feed securely to prevent contamination from pests

Know the signs of H5 bird flu:

• Sudden death
• Lethargy or reduced activity
• Swelling around the head and neck
• Coughing or nasal discharge
• A sudden drop in egg production

If you notice any signs of disease or unexplained deaths in your birds, report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Protect your flock. Protect NSW's bird health.

For more information, visit: https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity/avian-influenza/about-avian-influenza-and-the-risk-to-nsw

18/08/2026

Seen it? Call us: 1800 680 244 (NSW Biosecurity Helpline)

The NSW Government urges the community to be on the lookout for meadow knapweed.

Meadow knapweed invades pastures, crops and natural areas. It is unpalatable to livestock and it reduces pasture productivity.

The leaves are velvety, up to 25 cm long and grow in a rosette on the ground and along the flower stem. Flowers are pink or purple and about 1.5 cm in diameter.

For more information go to the WeedWise website: https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weed/MeadowKnapweed Or download the app: www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/invasive-plants-and-animals/weeds/nsw-weedwise2

This 3D digital interactive model can help you identify meadow knapweed: https://skfb.ly/pKYHD

Local Land Services NSW Northern Tablelands Local Land Services