H5 Bird Flu update from ACT government

["Kim Farley via Canberrabirds " <>]

Copied below is an update about the now confirmed case of H5 Bird flu in WA. This was sent to members of the ACT Conservation Forum of which Canberra Birds/COG is a member and I pass it on to you.  

As birders, we can be aware of the potential for this strain of Bird Flu to be found among the wild bird population in other places in Australia. We can also be aware of what action to take if, in the future, we find sick or dead wild birds showing signs of bird flu. The email below includes links to web pages that provide this information. The information is also linked from the Canberra Birds Avian Flu web page - so bookmarking our page can be a shortcut to keeping up to date over time. See https://canberrabirds.org.au/conservation/avian-influenza-be-aware/

Kim Farley

President, Canberra Birds/COG

From: Burkevics, Bren <>
Sent: Sunday, 21 June 2026 6:35 PM
Subject: H5 BIRDFLU Update - Sun 1830 hrs

OFFICIAL

 

All Members - Nature Conservation Forum

RSPCA

 

Dear all

 

As you may have seen in the media, the suspect case of H5 Bird Flu in Western Australia is confirmed. A second suspect case is under investigation. We understand this news may cause concern, and we want to keep you informed.

 

Both cases are migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia. The strain from the confirmed case is the same strain detected in the subantarctic regions.

 

It is important to note that there is no information to suggest that H5 Bird flu is established in Australia’s wild bird population.

 

The primary national source of information is birdflu.gov.au. National biosecurity and information sharing arrangements are in place and working well. The ACT is strongly engaged in these arrangements,

 

Please find attached for your general reference a note for industry that was issued this weekend. You may distribute the note as required, along with the information in this email.

 

ACT Next Steps

 

NCF secretariat will keep you informed of key developments or information. In the meantime, please continue to monitor birdflu.gov.au.

 

The community is encouraged to report any dead or sick birds or animals showing  signs of bird flu. If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them. Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.

 

The City and Environment Directorate has scheduled an H5 Birdflu online briefing session for ACT stakeholders on Thursday 25 June from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Information will be provided to you separately about the briefing session.

 

Please contact the NCF Secretariat or I if you require further information. Thank you for your vigilance and cooperation.

 

Thank you

 

Bren Burkevics  | Executive Group Manager

Phone  02 6207 8628  |  Mobile 0434 564 090

Executive Support: Leanne Kaleb Dumic | m("act.gov.au","leanne.kalebdumic");" target="_blank">

Environment, Heritage and Parks Group | City and Environment Directorate | ACT Government

480 Northbourne Avenue Dickson  ACT 2602 |  GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601

act.gov.au/environment

 

 

This email and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential information. If you believe you have received this email or any of its contents in error, please notify me immediately by return email and destroy this email. Do not use, disseminate, forward, print or copy any contents of an email received in error.

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