To protect your backyard chickens, block wild bird contact with netting or roofing, keep feed and water securely covered, wear dedicated shoes and clothes in the coop, and quarantine new birds.

News

Keep watch for Bird Flu in district

By TWT Editorial

August 26, 2026

RYDE COUNCIL is urging residents to stay alert over possible incidents of Bird Flu, with cases now found across Australia including in NSW and the most recent affecting a long-nosed fur seal in South Australia.

Bird flu is a disease that affects birds and can spread among wild birds, poultry and some other animals.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Federal Government is also asking the community to remain vigilant and report sick or dead birds and wildlife.

The current advice if you find a dead, sick or dying bird on your property is to Avoid, Record and Report:

Infected birds in NSW have been found at Hawks Nest (Mid North Coast), Narooma (South Coast) and Wentworth (Western NSW).

Do not touch, handle or move sick or dead birds, wildlife or other animals. Keep children and pets away from the area.

If it is safe to do so: Note the location; record how many birds or animals are affected; take a photo or video; and record the date and time.

Report sick or dead birds and wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (24 hours) 1800 675 888.

The NSW DPIRD will assess reports and determine whether further investigation or testing is required.

The council will respond to reports of dead bird carcasses located on public land within the City of Ryde – to contact council, call 9952 8222.

Another suspected bird flu case has occurred among fur seals,authoritiessay.

Residents should still report sick or dead birds to NSW DPIRD using the hotline or online reporting form to support surveillance and monitoring activities.

For the latest info on bird flu in NSW, visit: dpird.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity/avian-influenza

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