Jannene Goeghegan from DPIRD provided an overview of H5 Bird Flu
25th August 2026
By Landcare NSW
A very big thank you to Jannene Goeghegan from DPIRD for her informative presentation on H5 Bird Flu.
Recap
Jannene Goeghegan from DPIRD provided an overview of H5 Bird Flu, describing it as a highly pathogenic and transmissible strain that can cause severe disease and death in birds and some mammals. She outlined its global impacts, previous Australian outbreaks, and the risks it poses to poultry, wildlife, food security, trade, industry, and the economy.
She explained current preparedness and response work, including surveillance, reporting hotlines, vaccination trials, emergency capture options, communication materials, field officer training, and coordinated response arrangements across agencies. Jannene emphasised the importance of early reporting by wildlife rehabilitators and the use of biosecurity practices and PPE.
Key safety messages included avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, recording observations, reporting concerns through the emergency animal disease hotline, practising good hygiene, and staying alert to the possibility that the virus may become established in wildlife.
The take home messages were
- It is important that we all remain vigilant and report any sick or dead poultry, wild birds or wildlife.
- If you see sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them.
- 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.
Recording
The recording for this session is available here
Links
The following fact sheets and resources include specific principles and guidelines for wildlife and other carcass management.
- See fact sheets attached
Website: H5 Bird Flu- Lunch and Learn Session- Landcare NSW
For more information Avoid, Record, Report- Help spot H5 bird flu