Daijiworld Media Network – Sydney

Sydney, Sep 4: Authorities have confirmed Sydney’s first case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain, marking the city’s first reported case since the virus reached mainland Australia in June.

Residents keeping pet birds or backyard chickens have been advised to avoid contact with wild birds. Dog owners have also been urged to prevent their pets from chasing or eating wild bird carcasses.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins warned that further cases could emerge and called for preparedness for potentially serious impacts on wildlife.

Federal data showed 468 confirmed H5N1 events across Australia as of Wednesday, including 20 in New South Wales. No cases have so far been detected in commercial poultry, captive birds or livestock in the state.

According to the World Health Organization, H5N1 primarily affects birds but can also infect mammals, including humans. Human infections can range from mild illness to severe disease and, in some cases, can be fatal.