H5 bird flu management measures in place at Barunguba Montague Island

Temporary changes for some visitor activities and accommodation are in place for Barunguba Montague Island on the NSW Far South Coast following an increase in the number of sick and dead birds on and around the island.

The NSW Government has confirmed an H5 avian influenza (bird flu) event on the island, after a sample was taken from a silver gull. 

The changes to visitor activities are part of measures to manage the risks associated with H5 bird flu and to protect both visitors and wildlife. 

As a precaution, access to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service accommodation on the island is temporarily unavailable, and some visitor activities have been adjusted. 

Day tour activities continue to operate, with safety and hygiene measures in place. Visitors can still safely enjoy the island’s unique wildlife and learn about its rich natural and cultural history. 

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), continues to monitor the situation closely and assess risks. 

The temporary changes will be adjusted as conditions change. 

Scheduled vaccination of little penguins on Barunguba Montague Island is expected to continue. 

Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or Little Penguins and the risk to human health remains low. 

Visitors and the community are reminded: 

• AVOID – Keep yourself, others and pets safe. Do not touch sick or dead wildlife or make direct or indirect contact with their immediate environment. 
• RECORD – If safe to do so, note the number of animals affected, species, location, date and time. Take photos from a safe distance. 
• REPORT – Report multiple sick or dead wild animals via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline online reporting form or by calling 1800 675 888. 

Decisions about temporary changes to access or activities in NSW national parks are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the circumstances, risks and conditions at each individual site. 

For more information about H5 bird flu visit the NSW Government’s dedicated webpage: Bird flu (H5 avian influenza).

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director, Park Operations Coastal, Naomi Stephens said: 

“Protecting visitors and wildlife is an important consideration in managing the situation at Barunguba Montague Island. 

“We recognise the island is an important destination for visitors and tourism operators. We will continue to keep arrangements under review as we learn more about the situation. 

“We are constantly assessing how we can respond to H5 bird flu and adapting our approach as the situation develops. These temporary changes give us an additional measure to manage biosecurity risks while monitoring continues.”